Problems arising in the development of optical communication systems

The report starts with a survey of methods and feasibilities for the application of optical transmission systems in present and in future communication networks. Transmission systems with 1.12 Gbit/s offer new prospects for developing integrated communication systems. Therefore for this bitrate the use of optical components and the attainable repeater distances are discussed in detail. Finally an experimental model of an integrated broadband network is presented allowing to study the unsolved problems of using optical transmission channels in complex transmission and switching systems.