Introduction to basic optical communications and devices. Optical multiplexing techniques. Optical Networks: Conventional optical networks, Multiple access optical networks, Optical amplification in all optical networks. All-optical subscriber access networks. Design issues. Optical switching: Motivation, Spatial light modulator, Relational and non-relational switching devices, Fundamental limits on optical switching elements, Switching architectures, Free-space optical switching. Wavelength routed networks and other special topics. Soliton based networks, Optical networks management issues.