Point-to-point fiber optic links are the basic building block of all fiber optic systems. All fiber optic systems are simply sets of point-to-point fiber optic links. Different system topologies arise from the different ways that point-to-point fiber optic links can be connected between equipment. The term topology, as used here, refers to the configuration of various equipments and the fiber optic components interconnecting them. This equipment may be computers, workstations, consoles, or other equipment. Point-to-point links are connected to produce systems with linear bus, ring, star, or tree topologies.

Topics: Basic point-to-point fiber optic data links Differences between digital and analog fiber optic communications systems Most common types of line coding used in digital fiber optic communications Non-return-to-zero (NRZ), return-to-zero (RZ), and bi-phase (or Manchester) Main types of analog modulation Precautions when installing fiber optic links. 

Intended Audience: This course is intended primarily for Telecom, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and other engineers whose job description requires a comprehensive knowledge of fiber optics infrastructure. Publication Source: US Navy (NAVEDTRA) Pub# 14196A, Module 24 - Fiber Optics, Chapter 8, June 2014