Bidirectional transmission over optical fibre networks may yield a large cost reduction because of the reduction of the network infrastructure by a factor two and the potential cost reduction by an integrated transceiver design. It may also provide a cost-effective way to upgrade distribution networks by adding bidirectional channels. This book is the first to provide a comprehensive overview of bidirectional transmission in optical networks. It handles physical aspects: the behaviour of the fibre itself in bidirectional transmission transmission aspects: the behaviour and design of bidirectional systems and network aspects: the influence of bidirectional transmission on network design. £/LIST£ Practical guidelines are also given for bidirectional system design. Audience:This book is aimed at designers, builders and operators of optical networks, e.g. the manufacturers of optical transmission systems, public-network operators, developers of local-area networks, cable-television operators, etcetera. The intended level of readership is graduate level in physics or electrical engineering.