Network manager s practical introduction to optical networking With cheaper bandwidth and greater robustness, optical networking components are looking increasingly tempting perhaps even mandatory for maintaining your network s competitiveness. In Deploying Optical Networking Components, veteran communications consultant Gil Held utilizes language and terms already familiar to network managers -- without overwhelming you with optical science -- to help you: * Understand the role of LEDs, lasers, single mode and multimode optical fiber and couplers and amplifiers * Bridge the divide between conventional systems and optical upgrades * Relate optical technologies to existing networks * Evaluate optical components in the context of your existing infrastructure * Apply practical integration and migration techniques in LANs, WANs, and other infrastructure * Familiarize yourself with technical changes in performance measurement, system management, switching technology, support requirements, and other key challenges