CWDM was firstly developed as a WDM technology and has been widely used as the most affordable and budget saving method in low capacity networks, like SDH (STM-1, STM-4, STM-16, STM- 64), IP (Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit) ATM and storage (1G, 2G, 4G, 8G, 10G Fiber Channel) networks. As the need for capacity grows and service rate increases to 10G/40G/100G, there drives a demand to increase the capacity of existing CWDM networks.
DWDM has a much smaller channel spacing which can provide higher data transport capacity than CWDM. Besides, C-Band EDFA amplifier can cover the DWDM C-Band wavelength spectrum to extend DWDM bridgeable distance. The spectrum overlapping between the DWDM and CWDM (specifically, between 1531nm and 1551nm) can provide a combination solution so as to support more wavelengths at a higher bandwidth without the need to change the existing infrastructure.
Deploy DWDM over CWDM
DWDM over CWDM technology is a combination of DWDM and CWDM, where the two techniques are integrated to create a network solution that meets the current market demands. The technology allows multiple nearby wavelengths to be combined using CWDM and then passed through a single DWDM channel, which increases the capacity of a fiber for long-haul transmission. The integration of the two technologies optimizes the use of existing fiber optic infrastructure and reduces the cost of building additional networks.
Advantages of DWDM hybrid CWDM Network
1. Higher capacity and long-distance transmission.
DWDM over CWDM offers an incredibly high capacity of network transmission that allows multiple data streams to be transmitted over long distances. The technology combines the benefits of both DWDM and CWDM to increase the capacity of a single fiber, delivering more data at once. This not only enhances the speed of data transfer but also reduces the amount of time for transmission.
2. Reduce network complexity.
DWDM over CWDM shortens the network architecture by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries. The technology minimizes the number of devices in the optical layer of the network, reducing the complexity of network management, and improving the overall network stability. This makes it easier for network operators to manage the network and reduces the risk of system failure.
3. Simplify network expansion.
The integration of DWDM over CWDM simplifies the expansion of the network by allowing extra channels to be added without replacing the current technology. The network can be easily adjusted to accommodate new channels by integrating the technology into the existing infrastructure. This helps reduce the cost of network expansion and preserve the present equipment.
4. Improve network flexibility.
DWDM over CWDM technology improves the flexibility of the network in several ways. It allows the frequency and range of signals at different wavelengths to be adjusted, making it easier to accommodate different applications. The technology can also be used for network monitoring, where signals at different frequencies are monitored and analyzed for potential network issues.
5. Enhance network scalability.
DWDM over CWDM technology enables a high degree of scalability, providing the ability to add more data streams to a network over time while maintaining the same infrastructure. The technology can support an increasing number of channels, and the capacity can be increased to meet the growing demand for data transmission.
