Why Do We Need Gridless?

 Improved spectral efficiency with existing 40G/100G technology.

 Define a super channel that has multiple sub-channels within it, in order to fit the same
channels in a smaller region of spectrum.
 Support higher line-rate transponders.
 In order to get the same reach/performance from 400 Gb/s and 1 Tb/s transponders we
have no choice but to increase the spectral width of these signals well beyond 50GHz or
even 100GHz spacing.

1. ROADM
PacketLight’s reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) saves
space and power consumption, provides easy scalability, and a high level of
integrated optical elements such as EDFAs and DCM in a single 1U box.

A ROADM is an all-optical network element that enables dynamic software-driven

provisioning of wavelengths in DWDM network services from a remote
management system without major network changes or redesign.

As bandwidth requirements grow rapidly, WDM solutions have scaled up from

typically 8-16 wavelengths to 48-96, with different routes per each wavelength and
mesh connectivity between sites. Today optical network operators are challenged
with extending and modifying their WDM networks by adding new wavelengths and
changing the wavelength path within the network. Network managers are also
required to keep track of the allocated wavelengths, monitor their operation and
deploy new wavelengths easily while reducing the network OPEX.

Please contact us for a quote or further assistance.

ROADM networks enable adding new services

without redesign or major changes to network

The ROADM allows automatic balancing of the wavelengths’ optical power across
the network. This is a critical task especially for links with many EDFAs and multiple
channels, where certain wavelengths/services may suffer and introduce errors if
the power is not balanced.
 The ROADM Components

ROADM Components include:

1. Wavelength selective switch (WSS) - an active component that performs the actual
wavelength switching. The WSS enables the user to dynamically route any wavelength to
and from any port and then seamlessly change connectivity as needed.
2. Optical channel monitoring (OCM) - monitors the optical power of each wavelength.
3. Variable optic attenuators (VOAs) - configures the attenuation of optical power in
each wavelength
The last two components allow monitoring and dynamic balancing of optical power
for all channels across the network.

Figure 1 shows the structure of a typical ROADM device with four input ports (P1 to
P4).

Figure 1: ROADM Device with Four Input Ports

With its industry-leading 1U footprint and WSS switching speed, PacketLight’s

ROADM is the ideal wavelength routing solution for core metro and edge networks.
Network Architecture