How Much Do You Know About WDM?

With the rapid growth in communication recently, internet has been widely used, which brings convenience for people’s life. But at the same time it also causes problems for network managers. In order to increase bandwidth, network operators have to install more cables, which inevitably increase their investment. At this moment, WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplex) technology is an alternative to solve this problem perfectly. However, most of the time, we do not really know what WDM technology is. Now, let’s get together to learn some basic information about WDM.

Overview of WDM

WDM, also know as wavelength division multiplexing, has been proved the most cost-effective method to help network operators get out dilemma. WDM is a technology that can multiplex optical fiber signals with different wavelengths into one signal fiber. Because of the nature of light, the signals on WDM wavelengths are completely independent from each other and data stream with different line-rates and protocols can be transported on a single fiber or fiber pair. This technology enables a large mount of information to be transmitted, but not increase fiber numbers. CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing) and DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) are the two types of WDM technology.

CWDM

CWDM uses a wide spectrum and accommodates eight channels. Since CWDM is based on 20-nm channel spacing from 1470 to 1610 nm, it’s typically deployed at networks up to 80 Km because optical amplifiers cannot be used with large spacing channels. This wide spacing of channels allows the use of moderately priced optics, but limits capacity. And CWDM is generally used for lower-cost, lower-capacity and shorter-distance applications where cost is the most important factor to be taken into account.

DWDM

DWDM is a technology that synthesizes data from different sources together on an optical fiber, with each signal carried at the same time on its own separate light wavelength. Compared with CWDM, DWDM has more dense wavelength channels. It uses a variety of specified channels spacing from 12.5 GHz to 200 GHz. And it has the capability to transport up to 80 channels in what is known as the convention band spectrum with all 80 channels in the 1550nm region.

WDM Equipment

To build a WDM system, the equipment are necessary—CWDM Mux/demux and DWDM Mux/Demux.

CWDM Mux/Demux

CWDM Mux/Demux usually is a flexible plug-and-play network solution, which can help users and operators to implement denote or ring based WDM optical networks. It is a cost-effective network solution for connecting and linking together multiple data centers. Generally, the most prevalent configuration of CWDM Mux/demux is 4 , 8 and 16 channels. Available in 19” rack mount or LGX module package. Optional wide band port for existing 1310nm or 1550nm port is available to multiplex using these CWDM Channels. There are numerous types of CWDM Mux/Demux in our website: 2 channels, 4 channels, 8 channels and 18 channels CWDM MUX and DEMUX, which can be applied to improve your fiber capacity easily and quickly.

DWDM Mux/Demux

DWDM Mux/Demux is used to multiplex several DWDM channels into one or two fibers. And at the terminal end, the signals will be recovery to the original signal. It can make the most use of existing fiber optic infrastructure in an ideal way. Since the Mux/Demux can multiplex signals together and transmit them simultaneously. With optional expansion, DWDM Mux/Demux can transmit and receive as much as 4, 8, 16 or 32 connections of various standards, data rates or protocols over one single fiber optic link without disturbing one another. We supply 50G, 100G and 200G DWDM Mux/Demux in different channels. Take 50GHz DWDM MUX & DEMUX for example, these products can be used for single fiber and dual fiber with 64, 80, 88 and 96 channels.

Conclusion

In contemporary society, as the need for information increases, the need for bandwidth also increases. WDM technology can not only meet the needs of bandwidth but also save money for us. In this passage, WDM technology and some WDM equipment have been introduced in detail. Whether to choose a CWDM or DWDM is determined by the number of channels required and future growth projections. Fiberstore supplies all kinds of CWDM & DWDM Mux/DeMux modules which provide a flexible, reliable and efficient solution for your CWDM and DWDM systems. If you have any question, just do not hesitate to make contact with us.