In this book leaders in the field of optical fibre point-to-point transmission assess current developments and offer insights into the problems of present-day optical technology. The first two chapters take a view of the economic truths that lie behind this glamorous technology. Other chapters deal with the great variety and range of component and systems possibilities of optical technology and how the wideband services should be delivered. Further chapters assess optical amplifiers and their performance, digital processing and the thorny problem of switching.