In the recent past, the use of simulation software has been explored as a tool
to enhance our knowledge of the design and operation of optical fibre
communication links beyond the field of practical implementation. Fibre Optic
Simulation software such as Virtual Photonic's Photonic Transmission Design
Suite or Artis's OptSim are cost effective alternatives to practical
experimentation that allow one to examine and indeed fine tune the system
parameters for ideal operation. These optical simulation software programs are
often of limited use at undergraduate level as they assume some background
knowledge of the operation of optical communication systems. Some time is also
required to learn the various operations and syntax before any simulation can be
processed for analysis.

This project demonstrates the application of Java as an effective simulation
environment for the computer aided design of an optical fibre communication
point to point link. Its aim is to be both usable by educators and useful for
students. The simulation program will employ a Graphic User friendly Interface
(GUI) and is intended as a teaching aid for undergraduate optoelectronics
related courses and for tutors to aid revision of some of the vital components
that influence the operation of optical communication systems. These primarily
include power limitations on a received signal analysed using power and
dispersion budget calculations. Combined graphically, these calculations assess
the operating region for any optical communication system given various
transmitter, fibre and receiver characteristics. Essentially, it is hoped that
through the development of this program, Java students may gain greater insight
and understanding of the programming requirements for application development
and maintenance.