Monthly Archives: June 2013

Silicon Photonics Lead The Trend Of 100G Network

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FiberStore news, when assembled eliminated pure handmade reliable optical components containing hundreds of optics, steering the occasion of silicon photonics technology, the industry will enter a new better world. On the other hand, switching network upgrade from 10G to 100G, even when eventually reach 1TB, will also face tough challenges from silicon photonics technology. Some optical function is easy to realize by silicon, but some are not. In fact, the entire optical engine must be integrated in silicon platform.

Optical engine can handle multiple high-speed electrical channels, converts it to optical signal, then together the information on these channels, through an fiber optic to transmit the information to any location ─ ─ distance from near to the next frame or as far as across the entire data center from the other end. At the receiving end, optical engine will flow received light streams separate into different channels, and then converted back to radio channel. In the data center, optical engine used for connecting the cluster switches and routers, which is a low power consumption, smallest pluggable transceiver technology; optical engine is also used in active optical cable to connect to the server and switch. In addition, the optical engine soon will also be embedded into the splint (mid-board) in order to reduce the consumption of board to board application and increase the density.

However, integrating optical functions on CMOS platform will encounter many challenges, which is original used to realize electric function design. Take a look at each key photoelectric function and the challenges of its fully integration in a CMOS platform.

Laser

Laser provides fiber optic light source for the optical engine, but to some data centers, using laser is too expensive. Kotura has developed chip function by using low-cost low-speed laser. Laser is a type of optical component which has not achieved single-chip integration, but the latest development of laser and array of flip chip bonding technology, have made it into a large number of low-cost manufacturing process. Chip functions removed the lens, isolator and beam collimator needed by traditional laser subassembly. The design of Kotura laser removed the expensive sealed package. In the automated assembly platform, just a few seconds for the array laser entire fabric and welded to silicon photonic chip, but also overcome the difficult problem of low-cost light source integrated in the chip.

The real value of fiber optic network is the ability to combine multiple wavelengths of light into one entity channel. To the 100G interconnection,the use of this called wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) parallelism, put the light combination of four wavelengths in a fiber. Of course, the four parallel fiber channel can work, but this increases the cost of network, but also a waste of bandwidth of fiber optic. WDM makes the use of same data center architecture to expend become possible, in order to support more channels in the future.

Because WDM requires both specific wavelength and multiplex wavelength laser, and therefore using silicon photonics to achieve is not easy. Nevertheless, the industry still don’t want to use the expensive specific wavelength laser, which is commonly used in telecommunications network. A better solution is to use a universal laser, through integration of optical switch reflector in the silicon chip changes universal laser into specific wavelength laser. By changing the position of the reflector, Kotura will make each gain chip becoming a unique specific wavelength laser.

Transmode iAccess Addresses Large-scale Optical Access with WDM-PON

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Transmode Systems AB says unveiled its iAccess portfolio, which leverages its iWDM-PON offering to help service providers roll out Ethernet access networks for applications such as business Ethernet and mobile backhaul services.

The iAccess package combines a new compact, low-cost network interface (NID) with the company’s I-WDM – PON hardware and Enlighten multi-layer network management system to provide what Transmode asserts is a low-cost, simple to install/configure/manage, and highly scalable approach to last mile Ethernet applications. The systems use a “remote port” architecture which makes all NIDs into extensions of the Ethernet Muxponder to which they are connected.

With the remote port architecture, the NID automatically takes device and service configuration data from the network when it is connected. This removes the need for a separated IP address for each NID, saying these sometimes scare resources. Coupled with the colorless optical layer through the WDM-PON optics, iAccess creates a highly automated, simple to operate, and scalable system, according to Transmode. This is particularly true in comparison to other approaches that are either derived from more complex and expensive optical access platforms or are based on simple hardware designed for residential applications, the company adds.

The iAccess is thus ideally suited to the delivery of Ethernet-based services that need to scale to large volumes or where simplicity is key. Transmode continues. Installation procedures are quick and simple and Enlighten allows operators to create service templates to speed up deployment of multiple identical or similar services – enabling operators to minimize open costs in addition to the lower initial capex costs.

Sten Nordell, Transmode’s CTO, said, “The new iAccess solutions is a great step forward in terms of simplifying and scaling Ethernet access networks while also enabling network operators to hit the right price points for these high volume services. We have created a real plug-and-play solution where the WDM-PON enabled NID is simply connected to the access fiber, powered up and then services are automatically created. This enables operators to quickly roll out new services with the right level of carrier class functionality such as Metro Ethernet Forum Carrier Ethernet 2.0 services.”

Published by FiberStore, industry news – www.fs.com

10G EPON Shipments Will Keep Growing

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FiberStore news, with the rapid global deployment of FTTH, PON global market scale is constantly expanding, but the current PON market growth is beginning to slow down. In the recent “2013 China Optical Network Seminar”, Ovum principal analyst Julie Kunstler, said in an interview, during 2011-2012, the global GPON / EPON OLT has begun to decline in shipments, the total revenue of PON equipment market is also declined.

However, although the growth of entire PON market started to slow down or even a decline, but 10G PON market has begun to be favored. Julie Kunstler said that, although it is not completely sure which sort of next generation PON technology will become the mainstream in the future, but in Ovum’s expectations, the shipments of 10G EPON OLT will maintain a growth trend.

As for the Chinese broadband access market, Julie Kunstler believes that, due to the different wiring conditions of each region and each district, the future Chinese FTTx market penetration is expected to reach 40% -50%, the future will be a variety of access technologies co-exist, including PON, ADSL, VDSL, etc.

Julie Kunstler pointed out that, 2012 was the first year GPON OLT shipments beyond that of EPON, but the OLT total market has already begun to decline. Data show that, in the first quarter of 2013, EPON OLT shipments decreased 7%, compared to the same period down 46%; GPON OLT shipments decreased by 9%, an increase of 28%. In revenues, in the first quarter of 2013, EPON revenue decreased 25%, down 46%; GPON revenues decreased 29 percent, an increase of 3%.

Ovum predicts that, in the next few years, global GPON / EPON OLT shipments will further decline, it will be expected to from 41 million in 2012 decline to 13 million in 2018. At the same time, in 2012 GPON / EPON ONT / ONU’s shipments increased 43 percent compared to 2011, 2012 EPON ONT / ONU shipments still ahead of GPON ONT / ONU shipments, in 2013 GPON ONT/ONU shipments will just run after EPON.

Although entire PON market growth started to slow down or even a decline, but 10G PON market has begun to rise. Julie Kunstler said that, although what sort of future generation PON technology will become the mainstream is still not completely sure, but in Ovum’s expectations shipments of 10G EPON OLT will maintain a growth trend, and its application scenarios will be mainly reflected in FTTB, mobile backhaul, etc. Ovum forecasts, 10G EPON OLT’s shipments will maintain growth trend in 2018 will reach 500 thousand, 10G GPON OLT’s shipments will still be relatively small.

Benefit From Ethernet Media Converters

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Networking solutions advance at an unbelievably quick charge with new and faster kinds of cables hitting theaters often. If you possess the community that utilizes the standard form of Ethernet wires and the other community which utilizes the greater quickly and far more reputable dietary fiber optic wires, it will be possible and better to connect all of them collectively having a special number of Fiber to Ethernet Converter.

To permit several networks which are utilizing various types of cabling to talk with each other, a brand new fiber optic Ethernet Media Converter attaches an Ethernet cable at one end into an optic wire on the fresh finish. Furthermore, it could be utilized inside exact same community if multiple computers are earning utilization of distinct technologies or otherwise all of them have the capability to utilize fibers optic wires.

Fiber optic cables are extremely resistant to interference through electronics, wireless systems, or mobile phones, in contrast to the much more unpredictable standard Ethernet wires which could usually lose their signal in the event that exposed to specific kinds of products. This is the primary reason this is a smart decision to transform Ethernet wires to fibers optic wires, as it supplies a quicker signal than Ethernet is capable of doing delivering or receiving.

Some fiber converters will function using any sort of Ethernet cable tv whilst others have only ports of either the exact 100 megabit or the 10 Gigabit speed Ethernet wires, such as the 10 Gigabit Ethernet converters. The maximum speed at which information is ready to become transferred at around the quicker type of cable tv may slightly be lowered whenever a converter is connected among two numerous types of converter cables. Varied brands and kinds of converters like Cisco in addition to HP will have diverse velocity caps.

Ethernet Media Converters are obtainable in assorted sizes. Some are especially designed for the size of your home or office network. Nearly all converters are made of small plastic units that are meant to change a single Ethernet cable tv to an exclusive dietary fiber optic cable television. Greater converters can be found. They’ve the capability to be able to convert a large number of cabling at once and therefore are attached directly onto the metal rack. Just be sure they are positioned within a guaranteed community room

Fiber Media Converters should be included in a secure location so they cannot be disturbed through folks or machinery. In case of the converter is removed or perhaps broken, each pc coupled to the fiber optic cable might lose its Internet connection. Special care must be given to these community options. In addition, you need to maintain converters in managed temperature rooms that by no means get to less well as to cold because of the fact they include unique materials that merely get the job done correctly in a few conditions.

Fiber optic cables that continue to function after being converted coming from an Ethernet cable tv have a range that’s assessed in miles. Thus, huge companies with massive networks or net service suppliers make the most of Ethernet Media converters. And, soluble fiber optics can greatly extend serialized communication reach, and also the necessary adapters and converters are usually inexpensive, dependable, and readily available.

While Fiber Media Converters are employed in the Ethernet-based system, serial data communication is not limited to distance anymore. Ethernet Media Converters can effortlessly deal with 10BaseT/100BaseT/1000BaseT rates and gigabit-ready converters are obtainable too. Take benefit of this innovative networking technology right now.

What does an Optical Attenuator do

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An optical attenuator is a device commonly used to lower the amount of power of an optical signal in a fiber optic communication system. In fiber optics, attenuation can also be called transmission loss. It’s the reduction in light signal intensity with regards to the distance traveled by the signal inside a transmission medium. Attenuation is an important element to limit the transmission of the digital signal driving considerable distances. Optical attenuator reduces this optical signal because it travels along a totally unoccupied space or perhaps an optical fiber.

Optical fiber attenuators may employ several principles when utilized in fiber optic communications. One common principle may be the gap loss principle. Attenuators by using this principle are responsive to the modal distribution ahead of the attenuator. Thus, they should be utilized at or close to the transmitting end. Otherwise, the attenuators could establish less loss than intended. This problem is avoided by attenuators which use absorptive or reflective principles.

You will find three basic types of optical attenuator: the fixed attenuator, step-wise attenuator and the continuously variable attenuator. Fixed attenuators reduce light signals by a specific amount of negligible or no reflection. Because signal reflection isn’t an issue, fixed attenuators are known for more accurate data transmission. Principal components associated with fixed attenuators include the flatness over a specified frequency, range, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), the quantity of attenuation, average and peak power-handling capability, performance over a specific temperature, size and height. Fixed attenuators are also often accustomed to enhance interstage matching in an electronic circuit. Thornton’s fixed attenuators can be found from 5 dB to 25 dB. Mini-Circuits’ fixed attenuators are packaged in rugged plug-in and connector models. They are available in both 50- and 76-ohm models which range from 1to 40 dB spanning DC to 1500 MHz.

In variable optical attenuators (VOA), resistors are replaced with solid state devices like the metal semiconductor field effect transistor (MESFETs) and PIN diodes. VOA attenuates light signal or beam inside a guarded manner. Thus producing an output optical beam with various attenuated intensity. The attenuator adjusts the ability ratio between your bright beam from the tool and the light beam entering the device over a changeable rate. VOA is usually used in fiber optic communication systems to manage optical power levels in order to prevent damages in optical receivers which may be due to irregular or fluctuating power levels. Price of commercial VOA varies depending on the manufacturing technology used.

Fiberstore claims that it is optical attenuator units produce precision amounts of attenuation, utilizing the added flexibility of adjustment. Fiberstore’s variable attenuators can be found in single mode and multi-mode versions. They have low insertion loss and back reflection. The attenuators will also be compact in dimensions and obtainable in multiple packaging options. These attenuators could be adjusted in milliseconds with a simple square wave bias between 0 and 10 volts.

Internet of Things become America’s Fastest Revenue Growing Department of Telecommunications Industry

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According to foreign media reports, it is predicted by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) in the annual report on Monday that U.S telecommunication expenditure will reach 1.2560 trillion, and in 2014 re-growth of 6.8%. In 2012, telecom expenditures grew 6.2% year on year.

Telecommunications Industry Association recently said that the U.S telecommunications revenues in 2013 increased by 7.1%, including cloud computing, machine-to-machine wireless services and network security as the fastest growing sectors.
The TIA said, the high costs of operators’ cloud computing, machine-to-machine Wireless service and network security will offset the impact of the slowdown of traditional wire line service.
TIA predicts that by 2013, the U.S market for cloud service will grow by 19% to $56 billion.
The report said, Amazon web service is currently the largest cloud service provider.
The report also indicated that nearly 200 government agencies use AWS, while Amazon’s Elastic Compute Cloud, or EC2 is becoming a huge storage server. Report also refer to other open cloud service providers include Citrix Systems, Inc., Rackspace and Red Hat.
The report shows that Google in June 2012 launched the open source cloud services, and Microsoft launched Windows azure.
Telecommunications Industry Association predicted that in 2013, the machine-to-machine services will grow by 45% to $7.4 billion. Network security will be increased by 14.4% to $39.5billion.
Report states: “Machine-to-machine market, leading the way, in the next four years, the average annual growth rate will be 57.32%, in consolidated cloud services during this period combine average growth rate of 57.2% in consolidated cloud services during this period combine average growth rate of about 16.3%, compared with 20.5% in 2012, a high point decreased; while network security spending growth will remain stable: 19.1% in 2012 compared to 2013 and 2016 combined average growth rate of 18.8% and 18.6% – Consolidated annual growth rate of 19.2% .”
Published by FiberStore, industry News – www.fs.com

LC Connector And LC Attenuator

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A fiber optic connector terminates the end of an optical fiber and enables quicker connection and disconnection than splicing. The fibers are mechanically coupled and aligned to ensure that light can pass.

There has been many different connectors introduced through the development of fiber optic components previously many years. A lot of companies and individuals happen to be trying to improve the options that come with certain connectors to be able to gain control of the fiber optic industry, but only few have been successful. As technology increases, various fiber optic components have become less expensive.

There are various color codes for connectors and they have changed throughout the years. In early stages of fiber optic history, orange, black or grey represented multimode connectors and yellow represented single mode. These original codes became complicated with the introduction of metallic connectors so colored boots were developed, like FC and ST. Now, beige boots stand for multimode, blue means single mode and APC or angled connectors are represented by green boots.

The LC connector is a universal connector. It is available in simplex and duplex configurations and is half how big the SC and utilizes a 1.25mm ferule. The LC is highly favored for single mode and is easily terminated with an adhesive. They’re actively replacing the SC connectors in corporate environments due to their smaller size.

Built on style with LC, LC attenuators really are a combination of a connector on a definite end, as well as an adapter on the other. This enables so that it is “plugged-in” to just about any LC adapter. The assembly contains a ferrule that’s accessible in standard Polish connectors (PC) and 8 degree angle Polish (APC). They’re backward suitable for existing transmission equipment, while the APC attenuators provide superior reflection required for high power and analog equipment. LC fiber optic attenuators are designed to provide horizontal spectral attenuation over the full spectrum vary from 1280nm to 1624nm. This way the LC attenuators expand the capability of optical networks by enabling using the E-band (1400-nm window) for optical transmission.

LC fiber optic attenuator is a passive device accustomed to reduce light signal intensity without significantly changing the waveform itself. It provides a type of metal-ion doped fiber which reduces the noiseless signal because it passes through. This process of attenuation allows for higher performance than fiber splices or fiber offsets or fiber clearance, which function by misdirecting rather than absorbing the joyful signal. This is often a requirement in Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) applications in which the receiver can’t accept the signal produced by a high-power light source.

LC fiber optic attenuators are key in controlling manipulating the electricity of an optical path in fiber optic telecommunication systems. LC Build-on fiber optic attenuators are used to reduce excess optical power from the transmitter that can result in over-saturation of the receiver.

These optical attenuators feature simple and rugged structure utilizing ion doped fiber because the attenuating material. They can be placed directly on the active equipment and therefore are able to withstand over 1W of extraordinary power light exposure for longer periods of time, which makes them well-suited to EDFA and other high-power applications.

NASA and Astro Technology collaborate to Develop Offshore Fiber-Optic Tehnology

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It is recorded that the Houston-based Astro Technology Inc. and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has cooperated and developed a new fiber optic monitoring system this year on two oil platforms offshore West Africa.

The new system Tendon Tension Monitoring System (TTMS) utilizes a fiber optic strain gauge system and a series of sensor clamps to measure the tension on subsea risers and pipelines. It is installed in March on two platforms at the Okume complex for Hess Corporation’s subsidiary Hess-Equatorial Guinea.

According to Nasa, the system can sense any stresses along the platform’s four legs and streams the data in real time, allowing operators to make alterations required to maintain platform’s stability.

During the offshore research, the team attached 16 clamps to two separate drill platforms by commercial divers, using fiber optic cables to send real-time data streaming to a control room on each drill platform.

Astro Technology is specialized in instrumentation and monitoring technologies with a focus on real-time fiber optic sensory systems for oil and gas, has successfully used fiber optic monitoring systems at depths of up to 7,500 feet. This technology was developed as a result of a space Act Agreement, which permits NASA to partner with outside organizations to bring NASA expertise, assets or information to a wide community. Space Act Agreement, which date back to 1958, allows NASA to work with a broad spectrum of partners from all public and private sector discipline, according to NASA’s website.

Nasa chief technologist, Mason Peck, said: “What we learn from testing this technology on the oil platforms will benefit a broad range of terrestrial and space applications, and shows Nasa’s technology investments support America’s future in space and improve our lives here on Earth.”

Published by FiberStore, industry news – www.fs.com

Popular 10G Transceivers: 10G XENPAK, 10G X2, 10G XFP, 10G SFP+

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10G transceivers are designed for 10G or 10Gbit/s data transmission applications including 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gbit/s Fiber Channel, Synchronous optical networking. After years of 10 Gigabit Ethernet’s existence, there has been various different form factors and optics types introduced.

Nowadays, 10G transceivers series mainly includes 10G XENPAK, 10G X2, 10G XFP and 10G SFP . XENPAK was the very first MSA for 10GE coupled with been the biggest form factor. X2 was later competing standards with smaller form factors. XFP came after X2 and it is also smaller. SFP offer a smaller form factor and also the ability to offer 1G/10G combo ports on hardware. This is a guide to these module types and optical standards currently available.

10G XENPAK

10G XENPAK is one of the first generation 10G transceivers. It supports all optical ports as defined in IEEE 802.3ae, supporting speed 10.3 Gb/s,9.95 Gb/s or 3.125 Gb/s. XENPAK modules designed XAUI interface and knowledge shaping (CDR) function, which comply with the XENPAK MSA protocol and satisfy the application of 802.3ae Ethernet protocol 10GB. The 10G XENPAK optical modules include XENPAK 10GBASE-SR 300 meters (multimode OM3 fiber), XENPAK 10GBASE-LRM multimode fiber 220 meters, XENPAK 10GBASE-LR single-mode fiber 10-20km, XENPAK 10GBASE-ER single-mode fiber 40 km, XENPAK 10GBASE-ZR single-mode fiber 80km.

10G X2

10G X2 is another original 10G transceiver, which defines a smaller form-factor 10 Gb/s pluggable fiber optic transceiver optimized for 802.3ae Ethernet,ANSI/ITUT OC192/STM- 64 SONET/SDH interfaces,ITUT G.709,OIF OC192 VSR,INCITS/ANSI 10GFC (10 Gigabit Fibre Channel) and other 10 Gigabit applications.X2 is initially centered on optical links to 10 kilometers and is ideally suited for Ethernet,Fibre Channel and telecom switches and standard PCI (peripheral component interconnect) based server and storage connections. X2 is physically smaller than XENPAK but maintains the mature electrical I/O specification based on the XENPAK MSA and continues to provide robust thermal performance and electromagnetic shielding. The 10GB X2 fiber optic transceivers series include X2-10GB-SR, X2-10GB-LR, X2-10GB-ER and X2-10GB-ZR, they are designed based on the X2 MSA and IEEE802.3ae. They’re created for the integrated systems solution provide, fiber optics distributor along with other IT distributors.

10G XFP

XFP is really a standard for transceivers for high-speed computer network and telecommunication links which use optical fiber. They sometimes operate at near-infrared wavelengths (colors) of 850 nm, 1310 nm or 1550 nm. Principal applications include 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gbit/s Fibre Channel, synchronous optical networking (SONET) at OC-192 rates, synchronous optical networking STM-64, 10 Gbit/s Optical Transport Network (OTN) OTU-2, and parallel optics links. They can operate over a single wavelength or use dense wavelength-division multiplexing techniques. They include digital diagnostics that provide management which were added to the SFF-8472 standard. XFP modules make use of an LC fiber connector type to achieve high density. The 10G XFP fiber optic transceivers series include XFP-10G-MM-SR, XFP-10GLR-OC192SR, XFP-10GER-OC192IR and XFP-10GZR-OC192LR.

10G SFP+

10G SFP+ transceiver, the latest version of 10G transceivers, is multi-purpose optical module for 10Gbit/s data transmission applications at 850nm, 1310nm and 1550nm. The transceivers are ideally suited for datacom and storage space network (SAN/NAS) applications based on the IEEE 802.3ae and Fibre Channel standards, Fiber Channel 10G, 8.5G, 4.25G, 2.125G, 1.0625G, 10G BASE-SW/SR/LR/ER, 1000Base-SX Ethernet. The 10G SFP fiber optic transceivers series include SFP-10G-SR, SFP-10G-LRM, SFP-10G-LR, SFP-10G-ER, SFP-10G-ZR, SFP-10G-LW, SFP-10G-LH, SFP-10G-LX and SFP-10G-ZW.

Multiplex Your Fiber By Using CWDM Or DWDM

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Using a WDM(Wavelength Division Multiplexing) for expanding the capacity of the fiber to carry multiple client interfaces is a highly advisable way as the physical fiber optic cabling is not cheap. As WDM widely used you must not unfamiliar with it, it is a technology that combines several streams of data/storage/video or voice protocols on the same physical fiber-optic cable, by using several wavelengths (frequencies) of light with each frequency carrying a different type of data.

Two types of WDM architecture available: Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM). CWDM/DWDM multiplexer and demultiplexerand OADM (Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer) are common fit in with Passive. With the use of optical amplifiers and the development of the OTN (Optical Transport Network) layer equipped with FEC (Forward Error Correction), the distance of the fiber optical communication can reach thousands of Kilometers without the need for regeneration sites.

CWDM
CWDM, each CWDM wavelength typically supports up to 2.5Gbps and can be expanded to 10Gbps support. The CWDM is limited to 16 wavelengths and is typically deployed at networks up to 80Km since optical amplifiers cannot be used due to the large spacing between channels. CWDM uses a wide spectrum and accommodates eight channels. This wide spacing of channels allows for the use of moderately priced optics, but limits capacity. CWDM is typically used for lower-cost, lower-capacity, shorter-distance applications where cost is the paramount decision criteria.

The CWDM Mux/Demux (or CWDM multiplexer/demultiplexer) is often a flexible plug-and-play network solution, which helps insurers and enterprise companies to affordably implement denote point or ring based WDM optical networks. CWDM Mux/demux is perfectly created for transport PDH, SDH / SONET, ETHERNET services over WDM, CWDM and DWDM in optical metro edge and access networks. CWDM Multiplexer Modules can be found in 4, 8 and 16 channel configurations. These modules passively multiplex the optical signal outputs from 4 too much electronic products, send on them someone optical fiber and after that de-multiplex the signals into separate, distinct signals for input into gadgets across the opposite end for your fiber optic link.

Typically CWDM solutions provide 8 wavelengths capability enabling the transport of 8 client interfaces over the same fiber. However, the relatively large separation between the CWDM wavelengths allows expansion of the CWDM network with an additional 44 wavelengths with 100GHz spacing utilizing DWDM technology, thus expanding the existing infrastructure capability and utilizing the same equipment as part of the integrated solution.

DWDM
DWDM is a technology allowing high throughput capacity over longer distances commonly ranging between 44-88 channels/wavelengths and transferring data rates from 100Mbps up to 100Gbps per wavelength.

DWDM systems pack 16 or more channels into a narrow spectrum window very near the 1550nm local attenuation minimum. Decreasing channel spacing requires the use of more precise and costly optics, but allows for significantly more scalability. Typical DWDM systems provide 1-44 channels of capacity, with some new systems, offering up to 80-160 channels. DWDM is typically used where high capacity is needed over a limited fiber resource or where it is cost prohibitive to deploy more fiber.

The DWDM multiplexer/demultiplexer Modules are made to multiplex multiple DWDM channels into one or two fibers. Based on type CWDM Mux/Demux unit, with optional expansion, 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.

Ultimately, the choice to use CWDM or DWDM is a difficult decision, first we should understand the difference between them clearly.

CWDM vs DWDM
CWDM scales to 18 distinct channels. While, DWDM scales up to 80 channels (or more), allows vastly more expansion. The main advantage of CWDM is the cost of the optics which is typically 1/3rd of the cost of the equivalent DWDM optic. CWDM products are popular in less precision optics and lower cost, less power consumption, un-cooled lasers with lower maintenance requirements. This difference in economic scale, the limited budget that many customers face, and typical initial requirements not to exceed 8 wavelengths, means that CWDM is a more popular entry point for many customers.

Buying CWDM or DWDM is driven by the number of wavelengths needed and the future growth projections. If you only need a handful of waves and use 1Gbps optics, CWDM is the way to go. If you need dozens of waves, 10Gbps speeds, DWDM is the only option.