Adding 4Ch-CWDM Mux/Demux to Your DWDM Network
For those with existing CWDM infrastructure, there are two ways to expand capacity. One way is to add a single-fiber CWDM Mux/Demux with a monitor port.
A monitor port on a CWDM Mux/Demux allows network managers to check the dB level of the channel without disrupting service. This also helps to troubleshoot networks.
CWDM vs. DWDM
CWDM uses a broad spectrum of wavelengths for transmission. 4ch-cwdm This allows data to travel over longer distances without degradation. In addition, CWDM can leverage optical amplifiers to overcome long spans of fiber attenuation and dispersion.
In contrast, DWDM uses much tighter wavelength spacing to allow for more channels on a single optical cable. This allows for higher density, and increases the bandwidth of a network. Moreover, DWDM can also use single-mode fiber wiring, which is known for its high capacity and ability to travel farther than multimode fiber.
Both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages. Some providers prefer CWDM due to its lower cost and ease of installation. In addition, it can support higher-speed protocols such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 16G Fiber Channel.
However, CWDM is limited to 70 km in length. This makes it less ideal for networks that require long-distance connections.
CWDM requires multiple devices to operate, including a CWDM transceiver and a CWDM multiplexer (MUX). A MUX combines different channels of data into one stream. At the other end, a CWDM demultiplexer (DEMUX) separates the data back into its original streams. Lastly, optical fiber is required to transmit the data from the MUX and DEMUX.
CWDM Distances
Coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) utilizes varying colors of light to concentrate several independent data connections onto one fiber. Each CWDM channel can support up to 2.5 Gbit/s of data. This makes CWDM ideal for large metropolitan areas that need a fast, long-distance connection to central offices or large campuses. It also offers a low cost and high transmission range, making it a great choice for upgrading older systems.
The maximum distance limitation for a CWDM system depends on the equipment, fiber quality, and transmission rate. It is best to consult the equipment manufacturer’s documentation and guidelines for accurate information about distance limitations. Typically, unamplified CWDM can only reach about 80 kilometers, but it can be made to travel further with the use of an optical amplifier or repeater.
In a network, CWDM systems are usually used for carrier transport networks and metro aggregation networks. They can deliver a wide range of services, including higher bandwidth aggregation and lower latency, which is important for service providers as they strive to bring computing capabilities closer to end users. They can also help to reduce costs by reducing the number of connections and physical links in a network. Additionally, CWDM is compatible with GBIC and SFP transceiver modules, which make it a flexible and cost-effective solution for upgrading existing networks.
CWDM Capacity
CWDM is a cost-effective solution for increasing the capacity of optical fiber networks. It uses multiple wavelengths to carry high-speed data signals over a single fiber pair. CWDM systems are typically deployed over short distances of up Internet of things to 80 km. However, as technology continues to advance, researchers have been working on ways to increase the number of wavelength channels in CWDM systems.
Currently, CWDM systems support up to 18 wavelength channels. These wavelengths are spaced 20 nm apart from each other and cover the spectrum from 1270 to 1610 nm. CWDM systems are ideal for short-range communication applications, such as connecting local area networks (LANs) in different buildings or campuses. They are also used for interconnecting Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and Fibre Channel links over a single optical fiber pair.
CWDM can be used to transport a wide range of network services, including voice, video, and data. It is also a popular choice for telecommunications metro networks and telecom access networks, where it can be used to connect Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit, and Fibre Channel devices. Additionally, CWDM can be used to interconnect business networks in the same building or city. This allows companies to share data, applications, and resources without having to invest in additional infrastructure. CWDM is also a great option for business networks in remote locations, where it can be used to deliver live video feeds or provide real-time analytics.
CWDM Cost
CWDM is less expensive than DWDM for network upgrades in some scenarios. It uses uncooled lasers and pluggable optics like GBICs that are simpler to manage than more sophisticated, air-cooled transponders. This makes CWDM ideal for use in distribution access networks where capacity is tight and cost is paramount.
The figure below shows a real application Cisco designed for a customer that demonstrates the flexibility of CWDM. It features three customers sharing a two-fiber optical ring. While one customer simply needs 2-Gbit/s point-to-point links between their sites, the other wants to dual homing their data centers with redundancy. Both of these services are accommodated on the same two fibers using six out of eight wavelengths, saving costs compared to other options.
CWDM is also very popular in the metro area network, where it offers advantages over traditional SONET/SDH. It provides a low-cost way to increase bandwidth in the backbone network without installing new fibers. This is especially important in the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) backbone and Fiber to the Home/Fiber to the Building (FTTB) segments where bandwidth is at a premium. Moreover, the logical mesh connectivity and wavelength reuse offered by CWDM are especially useful for Gigabit Ethernet LANs and Fibre Channel-based SANs. This helps deliver the performance demanded by these applications with lower end-to-end latency. This, in turn, improves the quality of experience for end users.
