Abstract: Fiber-based optical networks transport an aggregate data rate that exceeds Tbps. The optical technology that makes this possible is known as dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM). Because of this humongous data rate, the performance of optical channels needs to be monitored continuously in-service and in-real time. One of the key performance metrics is the Bit Error Performance (BER), which currently is measured by using bit error detecting correcting codes (EDC) that are embedded in the signal of the information channel. However, EDCs, although indispensable for their bit error correcting ability, require many frames of information to provide a good statistical BER value for each channel. When the BER exceeds a threshold value, then the system undergoes channel equalization or channel protection, which is time consuming and costly. In this talk, we describe a statistical method based on which we estimate the performance parameters of all incoming communication channels in real-time and in-service. This method provides the estimation of BER, SNR, NF, Q, and min-max signal levels of current and previous values. In addition, we describe the realization of the method with a simple CMOS circuit, we describe the benefits of the method, compare with well-established methods and we describe its applicability to multiple channel equalization and channel protection.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Stamatios V. Kartalopoulos, PhD, is currently the Williams Professor in Telecommunications Networking at the University of Oklahoma. His research emphasis is on optical communication networks (FSO, long haul and FTTH), optical technology including optical metamaterials, and optical communications security including quantum cryptography and chaotic functions. Prior to this, he was with Bell Laboratories where he defined, led and managed research and development teams in the areas of DWDM networks, SONET/SDH and ATM, Cross-connects, Switching, Transmission and Access systems. He has received the President’s Award and many awards of Excellence.
He holds nineteen patents in communications networks, and has published more than two hundred scientific papers, ten reference textbooks in advanced fiber optic communications and security, and has contributed several chapters to other books.
He has been an IEEE and a Lucent Technologies Distinguished Lecturer and has lectured at universities, NASA and conferences internationally. He has been keynote speaker of major international conferences, has moderated executive forums, has been a panelist of interdisciplinary panels, and has organized symposia, workshops and sessions at major international communications conferences.
Dr Kartalopoulos is an IEEE Fellow, chair and founder of the IEEE ComSoc Communications & Information Security Technical Committee, member at large of IEEE New Technologies Directions Committee, series editor of IEEE Press/Wiley, and has served editor-in-chief of IEEE Press, chair of ComSoc Emerging Technologies and of SPCE Technical Committees, Area-editor of IEEE Communications Magazine/Optical Communications, member of IEEE PSPB, and VP of IEEE Computational Intelligence Society.