Introduction Guide

Wavelength Division
Multiplexing (WDM)
Introduction Guide

A document covering Multiplexers (Mux / Demux)

and CWDM / DWDM

Pro Optix
Specialists in Core-to-Edge
fiber optical connectivity
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 Introduction Guide Introduction Guide

Introducing WDM Voice

Voice
Voice

Voice
(Wavelength Division Multiplexing) Data Data

Data Data

Storage Storage

These days the ground outside is almost as full of Storage Storage

cables filled with strands of fiber optic glass as it is

Video Video

Video Video

with sewage pipes and electrical cables. Those

cables allow us to connect remote sites together to
be able to meet society's demands for higher and
higher bandwidth. One fiber pair per channell
But let's face it, fiber is expensive, as complicated and they have not yet
especially over long distances. So what is been able to experience its benefits in
the best option when you need a second, how it can be used to maximize
third or even fortieth link between your bandwidth while also cutting costs.
sites? To rent another dark fiber pair or
roll your own fiber? You should consider Thanks to the rapid pace that technology
WDM. is evolving today there are WDM solutions Voice Voice
available in different configurations that
Voice Voice
The cost effectiveness is why Wavelength meet the specialized needs of everyone
Data Data
Division Multiplexing, also known as from corporate enterprises to data

Multiplexer

Multiplexer
Data Data
WDM, has been a favorite technology of centers and government operators. No
Storage Storage
the telecommunications industry for matter if the goal is to expand the network
decades. However the systems used have into new locations or to optimize current Storage Storage

traditionally been large, expensive and infrastructure, WDM should be one of the Video Video

complex - but this is no longer the case. tools in your toolbox. Video Video

Still, for many organizations WDM is seen

Optical Peace of Mind from Pro Optix

By utilizing multiplexers you can combine

multiple channels on a single dark fiber
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Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Introduction Guide c Division Multiplexing (WDM) Introduction Guide
A document covering Multiplexers (Mux / Demux) and CWDM / DWDM explore prooptix.se/en/products/xwdm/ A document covering Multiplexers (Mux / Demux) and CWDM / DWDM explore prooptix.se/en/products/xwdm/

The Technical Basics
For single mode fiber generally a beam of light
containing only one data stream on one wavelength
is transferred over one strand of fiber.
The physical properties of light means
that light at different wavelengths will not
interfere with each other. WDM therefore
gives us the ability to combine multiple
streams of data by assigning each its own
wavelength of light. This way instead of
each service using its own fiber they can
now share the same physical medium.
Optical Transceivers
transmitting 1.
data as light
Patch cord between
the transceiver and 3.
the multiplexer
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Introduction Guide
A document covering Multiplexers (Mux / Demux) and CWDM / DWDM
Introduction Guide Introduction Guide
The Transceiver
Optical transceivers have the important job to convert
the electrical signal from its host equipment into an
optical signal that will carry an encoded data stream.
Since they can act entire independently of Non-WDM transceivers typically transmit used when the reach needs to be at least
each other this means that we can light using the 1310 nm wavelength due 40km. Instead of using these two
combine any type of data streams ranging to those lasers being most cost effective common wavelengths a WDM transceiver
from 100 Mbps to 200 Gbps and give to manufacture. Because of the high is set to transmit light on a channel
them their own physically independent attenuation of light in optical fiber at chosen from a standardized set of WDM
channels while allowing for further 1310nm, 1550 nm is instead traditionally channels.
expansion by adding more channels.
Optimize the use of
2. your fiber by
utilizing WDM
multiplexing
Multiplexer
Visit
www.prooptix.se/
optical-transceivers
4. Dark Fiber
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Introduction Guide
explore prooptix.se/en/products/xwdm/ A document covering Multiplexers (Mux / Demux) and CWDM / DWDM explore prooptix.se/en/products/xwdm/

The Multiplexer
The true heart of the WDM system is the multiplexer,
also known as a mux.
This is the critical piece of equipment that
combines (multiplexes) all the individual
channels into one beam of light
containing all the wavelengths to be
transmitted onto a strand of fiber. On the
other end you will find the demultiplexer,
also known as a demux, that separates
(demultiplexes) all the wavelengths back
into individual channels. Muxes can be
used in both dual and single strand
configurations as the physical properties
The ever-evolving technology of today allows us to build multiplexers that allow
for up to 96 channels to simultaneously be carrier over the same fiber pair.
Multiplexer
A dual fiber CWDM multiplexer allows for
up to 18 channels over one fiber pair.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Introduction Guide
A document covering Multiplexers (Mux / Demux) and CWDM / DWDM
Introduction Guide Introduction Guide
Coarse & Dense WDM
WDM is usually divided into two categories, Coarse
WDM (CWDM) and Dense WDM (DWDM).
of light also mean that light at different They both come with their own channel DWDM is that it also can push much more
wavelengths cannot collide even if going configurations, advantages and bandwidth per channel than CWDM. In
in the opposite direction. This means that disadvantages. The main difference is 2020 there are currently pluggable
a single strand of fiber can carry multiple that CWDM provides less density, shorter transceivers that can reach 200 Gbps and
streams of data bi-directionally. The reach for a lower cost while DWDM integrated components that can push
mux/demux technology is today also provides high density, longer reach for a over 1 Tbps, with the technology
commonly built into many high capacity higher cost. They can also be used developing at light speed. While for
transceivers to combine multiple data simultaneously side by side in the same CWDM the current maximum is 10 or 25
streams to achieve speeds from 40G up system. Another of the main benefits of Gbps.
to 400G and beyond.
DWDM Channels, 0.8nm or
0.4nm spaced apart
C
DWDM Channels
Up to 96
Multiplexer
1270
1290
1310
1330
1350
1370
1390
1410
1430
1450
1470
1490
1510
1530
1550
1570
1590
1610
nm
A single fiber CWDM multiplexer allows for Low Band High band
up to 9 channel over a single strand of fiber.
CWDM channels, 20nm spaced apart
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Introduction Guide
explore prooptix.se/en/products/xwdm/ A document covering Multiplexers (Mux / Demux) and CWDM / DWDM explore prooptix.se/en/products/xwdm/
 Introduction Guide Introduction Guide

The Channels The Laser The Reach

When lasers reach higher temperatures Where DWDM truly shines is when is
Both CWDM and DWDM have channel spacing grids they tend to start drifting. This means that comes to reach. Using EDFA or RAMAN

standardized by the ITU where CWDM uses a wider they start to transmit light at a slightly amplifiers the DWDM signal can be
different frequency than what they were amplified to reach distances over 2500km
spacing of 20 nm compared to the dense spacing of originally tuned to do. Because of the wide which is what enables the construction of

DWDM at 0.8nm or 0.4nm.
This means CWDM supports up to 18
channels and with DWDM it is possible to
fit 40, 80 or even up to 96 channels on the
same fiber pair. For CWDM the channels
are located between 1271nm to 1611nm
CWDM
channel spacing of CWDM this is not an
issue but for DWDM this is a potential
issue. The solution to this is to use cooled
lasers. By cooling the laser it will stay more
and for DWDM a frequency range called
accurate for a longer period of time but the
the C-band (1530nm - 1565nm) is most
drawback is higher power usage and more
commonly used due to the low
complexity which results in higher costs.
attenuation of light in optical fiber at these
The DWDM transceivers have therefore
wavelengths.
historically been more expensive as the
majority of the manufacturing cost of the
transceiver comes from the laser but as
technology develops the prices are now
much closer.
20HM
long-haul land and sea cable systems.
CWDM transceivers work in many ways
very similarly to normal transceivers in that
they are limited to their link budget while
for DWDM what matters is the Optical
Signal to Noise Ratio (OSNR). Due to the
attenuation in the fiber the quality of the
DWDM signal constantly decreases and
when it is amplified the noise is also
amplified. This introduces limits for how
many times it is possible to amplify a
signal so that the receiver can still decode
it when it arrives. Long haul DWDM
systems also introduce other challenges
such as chromatic dispersion, the fact the
different wavelengths of light travel at
slightly different speeds and over long
distances will start to blend together.

1471 1491 1511 1531 1551 1571 1591 1611

CWDM DWDM
DWDM 0.8HM
Lower total cost Longer reach

Lower complexity Higher density and bandwidth

Lower power consumption More accurate lasers

Less complicated and lower cost lasers Can be amplified

1553,33
1552,52

1550,92
1550,12

1548,51
1547,72
1551,72

1549,32

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Introduction Guide Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Introduction Guide
A document covering Multiplexers (Mux / Demux) and CWDM / DWDM explore prooptix.se/en/products/xwdm/ A document covering Multiplexers (Mux / Demux) and CWDM / DWDM explore prooptix.se/en/products/xwdm/
 Introduction Guide

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