ABSTRACT: Technology - Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines it as a "technical method of achieving a practical purpose." A concise, clear definition. But for many, achieving that practical purpose can be more than just a challenge. It can be frustrating, intimidating, time-consuming, and bound to generate the question, "Where Do I Start?"

With the Telcordia Notes On.... series, Telcordia Technologies has devised a starting point for your search through the rapidly developing world of telecommunications. Written by the authors of the successful Notes On the Networks document SR-2275, this series similarly contains technical material of interest to engineering and planning groups, as well as descriptions of the characteristics and background of these subjects in layman's terms. The difference is that Telcordia Notes On.... zeroes in on one technology in each document and breaks it down into manageable terms. From the history, background, and basic elements through a discussion of what the future may bring, our subject matter experts cover the important aspects in as few words as possible.

This Special Report in the Telcordia Notes On....series introduces Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and discusses the past, present, and possible future of the optical networking technology.

With Notes on DWDM and Optical Networks you will learn about: The components, issues, and technologies the various manufacturers of DWDM systems use; the issues associated with various technological approaches; common optical networking architectures, their features, and their functions; how optical networking technology interacts with, replaces, or augments the traditional technologies such as the Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), and the Internet Protocol (IP); and how optical networking technology is evolving. A section on commercial DWDM reviews some of the DWDM and optical networking equipment vendors.

The text is based on the latest information available from Telcordia and various standards organizations. Dozens of graphics simplify the learning process. A detailed Glossary defines the terminology, and the Bibliography contains references to further reading material both from Telcordia and standards bodies such as ANSI and the ITU-T.