Performance Analysis of an Optical Link in DWDM Systems

This paper seeks to understand the performance of an optical link in DWDM systems, with emphasis on the influence of Optical Amplifiers EDFAs and its characteristic parameters on the signal performance. We begin by studying the optical fiber transmission DWDM system, its various elements and its characteristic parameters. Then, for a specific optical fiber transmission DWDM system with specific characteristics, three studies are done in order to analyze the impact of the system characteristics variation on the system performance, through the analysis of the optical signal to noise ratio at the receiver and the Bit Error Ratio. The study of Optical amplifiers EDFA’s (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier) is done, with focus on EDFA’s dimensioning, regarding the compromise between the gain and the fiber optimal length in the amplification of a DWDM signal. The spectral characterization is analyzed, as well as the noise influence due to spontaneous emission. The impact of the EDFA ́s characteristic gain variation and noise factor, in the system performance is analyzed, considering the amplifier saturation effect.