this book presents optical networking in a comprehensive way, ideal for non-engineers who need to understand the fundamentals of fiber, high-capacity and high-speed equipment and networks, and upcoming carrier services. the book provides a practical understanding of fiber-optics as a physical medium, sorting out single-mode vs. multi-mode and the crucial concept of dense wave-division multiplexing. it covers the big picture with an understanding of sonet rings and how carriers build fiber networks; reviews broadband equipment like optical routers, wavelength cross-connects, dsl and cable and brings everything together with practical case studies/ projects. the goal of the book is to explain the underlying concepts, demystify buzwords and jargon, and put in place a practical understanding of technologies and main stream solutions without getting bogged down in details.