Computer simulation of digital lightwave links

Abstract
A hybrid approach is presented for evaluating the performance of single-mode digital lightwave communication links efficiently. The hybrid approach combines simulation with analysis to provide greater accuracy and flexibility than that available with analytical calculations alone. Because simulation is used, models can be made as detailed as necessary and computed waveforms can be compared directly to measured waveforms. Measured data can be used to characterize functional components, such as sources, fibers, and detectors, accurately. Simulation models and techniques for evaluating system degradations caused by the optical-source waveforms, fiber attenuation and dispersion, and receiver noise are provided. The end-to-end performance of typical digital lightwave links with broad- and narrow-spectrum sources (light-emitting diodes and laser), using both p-i-n and avalanche photodiode detectors, is evaluated and compared to experimental results