This Recommendation covers application-related aspects of optical amplifier (OA) devices and subsystems, primarily those used in digital systems. Optical amplifiers operating in the 1550 nm region, or 1310 nm region, or other wavelength regions are included. Generic characteristics of OA devices and subsystems are described in [ITU-T G.662]. Applications include both single-channel and multi-channel systems used in point-to-point and point-to-multipoint configurations for use in long-distance networks and optical access networks.

The purpose of this Recommendation is to identify which aspects should be considered for each application and to specify common parameter values and ranges for each type of OA device (booster amplifier, pre-amplifier, and line amplifier). This Recommendation pertains to the development of new equipment including OA devices and includes guidelines to apply OA devices and OA subsystems to existing equipment. As an objective, for systems specified as transversely compatible, the degree of compatibility should not be changed by the use of OA devices.

Important topics contained in this Recommendation include transmission aspects, maintenance aspects, and optical safety.