How to Build Your First Optical Network

Building directly on the optical fundamentals introduced in the preceding session, this talk provides IP/MPLS engineers and network operators with a step-by-step framework for migrating from leased backhaul capacity toward lighting their own dark fibre using open-based optical and DWDM infrastructure. Drawing on real-world deployment topologies, the presentation offers a practical decision tree for choosing the right plugs and DWDM systems for 1G to 800G deployments — actionable intelligence designed for first-time optical operators.