Timing and dispersion in WDM optical star networks

Abstract
We discuss different physical aspects that should be taken into consideration when tra.ls- mlitting packets in a slotted star network using Wavelength Division Multiplexing. First we show that, due to the effect of the dispersion, some padding is necessary as well as a, limit on the size of the network. Second we present a mlethod to synchronize the transmission of the slots on the different wavelengths. This method is a.llllost insensitive to the relative lengths of the transmit and receive fibers.