Seminar Report DWDM Technology

Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Introduction
Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) is an extension of optical networking. DWDM devices com
bine the output from several optical transmitters for transmission across a single optical fiber. At the receiving
end, another DWDM device separates the combined optical signals and passes each channel to an optical
receiver. Only one optical fiber is used between DWDM devices (per transmission direction). Instead of
requiring one optical fiber per transmitter and receiver pair, DWDM allows several optical channels to occupy
a single fiber optic cable. A key advantage to DWDM is that it's protocol and bit-rate independent. DWDM-
based networks can transmit data in IP, ATM, SONET, SDH and Ethernet.Therefore, DWDM-based networks
can carry different types of traffic at different speeds over an optical channel. Voice transmission, e-mail, video
and multimedia data are just some examples of services which can be simultaneously transmitted in DWDM
systems. DWDM systems have channels at wave lengths spaced with 0.4 nm spacing. DWDM is a type of
frequency division multiplexing (FDM). A fundamental property of light states that individual light waves of
different wave lengths may co-exist independently within a medium. Lasers are capable of creating pulses of
light with a very precise wavelength. Each individual wavelength of light can represent a different channel of
information. By combining light pulses of different wavelengths, many channels can be transmitted across a
single fiber simultaneously. Fiber optic systems use light signals within the infrared band (1mm to 400 nm
wave length) of the electromagnetic spectrum. Frequencies of light in the optical range of the electromagnetic
spectrum are usually identified by their wavelength, although frequency (distance between lambdas) provides
a more specific identification.DWDM is the clear winner in the backbone. It was first deployed on long-haul
routes in a time of fiber scarcity. Then the equipment savings made it the solution of choice for new long-haul
routes, even when ample fiber was available. While DWDM can relieve fiber exhaust in the metropolitan area,
its value in this market extends beyond this single advantage. Alternatives for capacity enhancement exist,
such as pulling new cable and SONET overlays, but DWDM can do more. What delivers additional value in the
metropolitan market is DWDM’s fast and flexible provisioning of protocol- and bit rate-transparent, data-
centric, protected services, along with the ability to offer new and higher-speed services at less cost. The need
to provision services of varying types in a rapid and efficient manner in response to the changing demands of
customers is a distinguishing characteristic of the metropolitan networks. With SONET, which is the
foundation of the vast majority of existing MANs, service provisioning is a lengthy and complex process.

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Network planning and analysis, ADM provisioning, Digital Cross connect System (DCS) reconfiguration, path
and circuit verification, and service creation can take several weeks. By contrast, with DWDM equipment in
place provisioning new service can be as simple as turning on another lightwave in an existing fiber pair.
Potential providers of DWDM-based services in metropolitan areas, where abundant fiber plant already exists
or is being built, include incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), competitive local exchange carriers
(CLECs), inter-exchange carriers (IXCs), Internet service providers (ISPs), cable companies, private network
operators, and utility companies. Such carriers can often offer new services for less cost than older ones. Much
of the cost savings is due to reducing unnecessary layers of equipment, which also lowers operational costs
and simplifies the network architecture. Carriers can create revenue today by providing protocol-transparent,
high-speed LAN and SAN services to large organizations, as well as a mixture of lower-speed services (Token
Ring, FDDI, Ethernet) to smaller organizations. In implementing an optical network, they are ensuring that
they can play in the competitive field of the future.

1.1.1Growing Demand
It is clear that as we approach the 21st century the remarkable revolution in information services has permeated
our society. Communication, which in the past was confined to narrowband voice signals, now demands a high
quality visual, audio, and data context. Every aspect of human interplay—from business, to entertainment, to
government, to academia—increasingly depends on rapid and reliable communication networks. Indeed, the
advent of the Internet alone is introducing millions of individuals to a new world of information and
technology. The telecommunications industry, however, is struggling to keep pace with these changes. Early
predictions that current fiber capacities would be adequate for our needs into the next century have proven
wrong.

Bandwidth demand

Time
Fig1.1: Growing Demand

1.2Achieving Bandwidth Capacity Goals

Achieving Bandwidth Capacity Goals Confronted by the need for more capacity, carriers have three possible
solutions:

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 Install new fiber.

 Invest in new TDM technology to achieve faster bit rates.
 Deploy Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing

1.2.1Installing New Fiber to Meet Capacity Needs

For years, carriers have expanded their networks by deploying new fiber and transmission equipment. For each
new fiber deployed, the carrier could add capacity up to 2.4 Gb/s. Unfortunately, such deployment is frequently
difficult and always costly. The average cost to deploy the additional fiber cable, excluding costs of associated
support systems and electronics, has been estimated to be about $70,000 per mile, with costs escalating in
densely populated areas. While this projection varies from place to place, installing new fiber can be a daunting
prospect, particularly for carriers with tens of thousands of route miles. In many cases, the right-of way of the
cable route or the premises needed to house transmission equipment is owned by a third party, such as a railroad
or even a competitor. Moreover, single mode fiber is currently in short supply owing to production limitations,
potentially adding to costs and delays. For these reasons, the comprehensive deployment of additional fiber is
an impractical, if not impossible, solution for many carriers.

1.2.2Higher Speed TDM

As indicated earlier, STM–64/OC–192 is becoming an option for carriers seeking higher capacity, but there
are significant issues surrounding this solution that may restrict its applicability. The vast majority of the
existing fiber plant is single-mode fiber (SMF) that has high dispersion in the 1550 nm window, making STM–
64/OC–192 transmission difficult. In fact, dispersion has a 16 times greater effect with STM–64/OC–192
equipment than with STM–16/OC–48. As a result, effective STM–64/OC–192 transmission requires either
some form of dispersion compensating fiber or entire new fiber builds using non-zero dispersion shifted fiber
(NZDSF)— which costs some 50 percent more than SMF. The greater carrier transmission power associated
with the higher bit rates also introduces nonlinear optical effects that cause degraded wave form quality. The
effects of Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)—which, like other forms of dispersion affects the distance a
light pulse can travel without signal degradation—is of particular concern for STM-64/OC–192. This problem,
barely noticed until recently, has become 6 • Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing 6 • Dense Wavelength
Division Multiplexing Technology Guide • 7 significant because as transmission speeds increase, dispersion
problems grow exponentially thereby dramatically reducing the distance a signal can travel. PMD appears to
limit the reliable reach of STM–64/OC–192 to about 70 kms on most embedded fiber. Although there is a
vigorous and ongoing debate within the industry over the extent of PMD problems, some key issues are already

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known.PMD is particularly acute in the conventional single mode fiber that comprises the vast majority of the
existing fiber plant, as well as in aerial fiber. • Unlike other forms of dispersion that are fairly predictable and
easy to measure, PMD varies significantly from cable to cable. Moreover, PMD is affected by environmental
conditions, making it difficult to determine ways to offset its effect on high bit rate systems. • As a result,
carriers must test nearly every span of fiber for its compatibility with STM–64/OC–192; in many cases, PMD
will rule out its deployment altogether.

1.2.3 DWDM Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM)

DWDM is a technology that allows multiple information streams to be transmitted simultaneously over a
single fiber at data rates as high as the fiber plant will allow (e.g. 2.4 Gb/s). The DWDM approach multiplies
the simple 2.4 Gb/s system by up to 16 times, giving an immense and immediate increase in capacity—using
embedded fiber! A sixteen channel system (which is available today) supports 40 Gb/s in each direction over
a fiber pair, while a 40-channel system under development will support 100 Gb/s, the equivalent of ten STM–
64/OC–192 transmitters! The benefits of DWDM over the first two options— adding fiber plant or deploying
STM–64/OC–192—for increasing capacity are clear.

1.3 Motivation

To explore research opportunities in optical communications and to investigate DWDM's potential in emerging
applications (5G, IoT, etc.). To develop new DWDM architectures and algorithms. To analyse and compare
DWDM systems and components. To stay updated on the latest advancements in optical communication
technology. To address the growing demand for high-speed data transmission. To enhance knowledge and skills
of employees in the telecommunications industry. To foster collaboration and innovation among researchers
and professionals.

1.4 Objectives

To provide an in-depth understanding of DWDM technology, its principles, applications, and benefits in
modern optical communication systems.

1.4.1 Specific Objectives

1. To explain the fundamental principles of Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) and DWDM.

2. To discuss the architecture and components of DWDM systems.

3. To highlight the advantages of DWDM, including increased bandwidth, improved spectral efficiency, and
reduced fiber requirements.

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4. To explore the applications of DWDM in various fields.

1.5 Conclusion

In this chapter Introduction, Motivation and Organisation of the seminar is explained.

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Chapter 2

Fundamentals of DWDM Technology

2.1 Introduction

The emergence of DWDM is one of the most recent and important phenomena in the development of fiber
optic transmission technology. In this briefly trace the stages of fiber optic technology and the place of DWDM
in that development

2.2Evolution of Fiber Optic Transmission

The reality of fiber optic transmission had been experimentally proven in the nineteenth century, but the
technology began to advance rapidly in the second half of the twentieth century with the invention of the
fiberscope, which found applications in industry and medicine, such as in laparoscopic surgery.

After the viability of transmitting light over fiber had been established, the next step in the development of
fiber optics was to find a light source that would be sufficiently powerful and narrow. The light-emitting diode
(LED) and the laser diode proved capable of meeting these requirements. Lasers went through several
generations in the 1960s, culminating with the semiconductor lasers that are most widely used in fiber optics
today.

Light has an information-carrying capacity 10,000 times greater than the highest radio frequencies.
Additional advantages of fiber over copper include the ability to carry signals over long distances, low error
rates, immunity to electrical interference, security, and light weight.

Aware of these characteristics, researchers in the mid-1960s proposed that optical fiber might be a suitable
transmission medium. There was an obstacle, however, and that was the loss of signal strength, or attenuation,
seen in the glass they were working with. Finally, in 1970, Corning produced the first communication-grade
fibers. With attenuation less than 20 decibels per kilo meter (dB/km), this purified glass fiber exceeded the
threshold for making fiber optics a viable technology. Innovation at first proceeded slowly, as private and
government monopolies that ran the telephone companies were cautious. AT&T first standardized
transmission at DS3 speed (45 Mbps) for multimode fibers. Soon thereafter, single-mode fibers were shown
to be capable of transmission rates 10 times that of the older type, as well as spans of 32 km (20 mi). In the
early 1980s, MCI, followed by Sprint, adopted single-mode fibers for its long-distance network in the
U.S.Further developments in fiber optics are closely tied to the use of the specific regions on the optical

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spectrum where optical attenuation is low. These regions, called windows, lie between areas of high
absorption. The earliest systems were developed to operate around 850 nm, the first window in silica-based
optical fiber. A second window (S band), at 1310 nm, soon proved to be superior because of its lower
attenuation, followed by a third window (C band) at 1550 nm with an even lower optical loss. Today, a fourth
window (L band) near 1625 nm is under development and early deployment. These four windows are shown
relative to the electromagnetic spectrum in Figure
Ultraviolet Visible Infrared

X-rays, Radio waves,

gamma rays long waves

700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1 300 1400 150 0 1600 1700 nm

850 1310 15501625

Fig: 2.1Wavelength Regions

2.2.1Development of DWDM Technology

Early WDM began in the late 1980s using the two widely spaced wavelengths in the 1310 nm and 1550 nm
(or 850 nm and 1310 nm) regions, sometimes called wideband WDM. Figure shows an example of this simple
form of WDM. Notice that one of the fiber pair is used to transmit and one is used to receive. This is the most
efficient arrangement and the one most found in DWDM systems.

Send
End End
system system
(1310 nm + 850 nm)

Receive
End End
system system
(1310 nm + 850 nm)

Fig2.2: WDM with Two Channels

The early 1990s saw a second generation of WDM, sometimes called narrowband WDM, in which two to eight
channels were used. These channels were now spaced at an interval of about 400 GHz in the 1550-nm window.
By the mid-1990s, dense WDM (DWDM) systems were emerging with 16 to 40 channels and spacing from
100 to 200 GHz. By the late 1990s DWDM systems had evolved to the point where they were capable of 64
to 160 parallel channels, densely packed at 50 or even 25 GHz intervals. As Figure shows, the progression of

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the technology can be seen as an increase in the number of wavelengths accompanied by a decrease in the
spacing of the wavelengths. Along with increased density of wavelengths, systems also advanced in their
flexibility of configuration, through add-drop functions, and management capabilities.
Evolution of
DWDM

64+ channels
Late 25-50 GHz spacing
1990's
16+ channels 100-200 GHz spacing
1996 Dense WDM, integrated systems
with network management, add-drop functions.
2-8 channels
Early
1990's Passive WDM
200-400 GHz spacing
Passive WDM components/parts

2 channels
1980's Wideband WDM
1310 nm, 1550 nm

Fig2.3: Evolution of DWDM

Increases in channel density resulting from DWDM technology have had a dramatic impact on the carrying
capacity of fiber. In 1995, when the first 10 Gbps systems were demonstrated, the rate of increase in capacity
went from a linear multiple of four every four years to four every year.

1000000
Mbps
1000000

100000

10000

1000

100

10

1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1990 1991 1993 1995 1997 1998

Fig2.4: Growth in Fiber Capacity

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2.3 DWDM System Function

At its core, DWDM involves a small number of physical-layer functions. These are depicted in Figure which
shows a DWDM schematic for four channels. Each optical channel occupies its own wavelength.
Transmitters Receivers

Combining Separating
signals signals
Transmission on fiber

Fig2.5: DWDM system function

The system performs the following main functions:

 Generating the signal—The source, a solid-state laser, must provide stable light within a specific,
narrow bandwidth that carries the digital data, modulated as an analog signal.
 Combining the signals—Modern DWDM systems employ multiplexers to combine the signals. There
is some inherent loss associated with multiplexing and demultiplexing. This loss is dependent upon the
number of channels but can be mitigated with optical amplifiers, which boost all the wavelengths at
once without electrical conversion.
 Transmitting the signals—The effects of crosstalk and optical signal degradation or loss must be
reckoned with in fiber optic transmission. These effects can be minimized by controlling variables such
as channel spacings, wavelength tolerance, and laser power levels. Over a transmission link, the signal
may need to be optically amplified.
 Separating the received signals—At the receiving end, the multiplexed signals must be separated out.
Although this task would appear to be simply the opposite of combining the signals, it is actually more
technically difficult.
 Receiving the signals—The demultiplexed signal is received by a photodetector.

In addition to these functions, a DWDM system must also be equipped with client-side interfaces to receive
the input signal. This function is performed by transponders. On the DWDM side are interfaces to the optical
fiber that links DWDM systems.

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2.3.1Enabling Technologies
Optical networking, unlike SONET/SDH, does not rely on electrical data processing. As such, its development
is more closely tied to optics than to electronics. In its early form, as described previously, WDM was capable
of carrying signals over two widely spaced wavelengths, and for a relatively short distance. To move beyond
this initial state, WDM needed both improvements in existing technologies and invention of new technologies.
Improvements in optical filters and narrowband lasers enabled DWDM to combine more than two signal
wavelengths on a fiber. The invention of the flat-gain optical amplifier, coupled in line with the transmitting
fiber to boost the optical signal, dramatically increased the viability of DWDM systems by greatly extending
the transmission distance.
Other technologies that have been important in the development of DWDM include improved optical fiber
with lower loss and better optical transmission characteristics, EDFAs, and devices such as fiber Bragg gratings
used in optical add/drop multiplexers.
2.4 Components and Operation
DWDM is a core technology in an optical transport network. The essential components of DWDM can be
classified by their place in the system as follows:
 On the transmit side, lasers with precise, stable wavelengths
 On the link, optical fiber that exhibits low loss and transmission performance in the relevant wavelength
spectra, in addition to flat-gain optical amplifiers to boost the signal on longer spans.
 On the receive side, photodetectors and optical demultiplexers using thin film filters or diffractive
elements.
 Optical add/drop multiplexers and optical cross-connect components.

These and other components, along with their underlying technologies, are discussed in the following sections.
While much of this information, particularly the pros and cons of various competing technologies, may be of
more importance to a system designer than to an end user or network designer, it may also be of interest to
other readers.

2.5 Optical Fibers

The following discussion of DWDM components and technologies includes a refresher on optical fibers, with
emphasis on their application for DWDM.
The main job of optical fibers is to guide lightwaves with a minimum of attenuation (loss of signal). Optical
fibers are composed of fine threads of glass in layers, called the core and cladding, that can transmit light at
about two-thirds the speed of light in a vacuum. Though admittedly an oversimplification, the transmission of

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light in optical fiber is commonly explained using the principle of total internal reflection. With this
phenomenon, 100 percent of light that strikes a surface is reflected. By contrast, a mirror reflects about 90
percent of the light that strikes it. Light is either reflected (it bounces back) or refracted (its angle is altered
while passing through a different medium) depending upon the angle of incidence (the angle at which light
strikes the interface between an optically denser and optically thinner material).

Total internal reflection happens when the following conditions are met:

 Beams pass from a more dense to a less dense material. The difference between the optical density of
a given material and a vacuum is the material’s refractive index.
 The incident angle is less than the critical angle. The critical angle is the angle of incidence at which
light stops being refracted and is instead totally reflected.

The principle of total internal reflection within a fiber core is illustrated in Figure 2-6. The core has a higher
refractive index than the cladding, allowing the beam that strikes that surface at less than the critical angle to
be reflected. The second beam does not meet the critical angle requirement and is refracted.
Refracted

n2 Cladding

n1

Reflected Core

Fig2.6 : Principle of Total Internal Reflection

An optical fiber consists of two different types of highly pure, solid glass (silica)—the core and the cladding—
that are mixed with specific elements, called dopants, to adjust their refractive indices. The difference between
the refractive indices of the two materials causes most of the transmitted light to bounce off the cladding and
stay within the core. The critical angle requirement is met by controlling the angle at which the light is injected
into the fiber. Two or more layers of protective coating around the cladding ensure that the glass can be handled
without damage.

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2.5.1Multimode and Single-Mode Fiber

There are two general categories of optical fiber in use today, multimode fiber and single-mode fiber.
Multimode, the first type of fiber to be commercialized, has a larger core than single-mode fiber. It gets its
name from the fact that numerous modes, or light rays, can be carried simultaneously through the waveguide.

Cladding

Core

Fig 2.7: Reflected Light in Step-Index Multimode Fiber

The second general type of fiber, single-mode, has a much smaller core that allows only one mode of light at
a time through the core (see Figure 2-8). As a result, the fidelity of the signal is better retained over longer
distances, and modal dispersion is greatly reduced. These factors attribute to a higher bandwidth capacity
than multimode fibers are capable of. For its large information-carrying capacity and low intrinsic loss,
single-mode fibers are preferred for longer distance and higher bandwidth applications, including DWDM.

Cladding

Core

Fig 2.8: Reflected Light in Single-Mode Fiber

2.5.2 Transmission Challenges

Transmission of light in optical fiber presents several challenges that must be dealt with. These fall into the
following three broad categories

 Attenuation—decay of signal strength, or loss of light power, as the signal propagates through the fiber.

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 Chromatic dispersion—spreading of light pulses as they travel down the fiber.
 Nonlinearities—cumulative effects from the interaction of light with the material through which it
travels, resulting in changes in the lightwave and interactions between lightwaves.

Each of these effects has several causes, not all of which affect DWDM. The discussion in the following
sections addresses those causes that are relevant to DWDM.
2.6 Dispersion
Dispersion is the spreading of light pulses as they travel down optical fiber. Dispersion results in distortion of
the signal, which limits the bandwidth of the fiber.

Time Fiber Time

Fig 2.9: Principle of Dispersion

Two general types of dispersion affect DWDM systems. One of these effects, chromatic dispersion, is linear
while the other, polarization mode dispersion (PMD), is nonlinear.

2.6.1Chromatic Dispersion

Chromatic dispersion occurs because different wavelengths propagate at different speeds. The effect of
chromatic dispersion increases as the square of the bit rate. In single-mode fiber, chromatic dispersion has two
components, material dispersion and waveguide dispersion.

Material dispersion occurs when wavelengths travel at different speeds through the material. A light source,
no matter how narrow, emits several wavelengths within a range. Thus, when this range of wavelengths travels
through a medium, each individual wavelength arrives at a different time.

The second component of chromatic dispersion, waveguide dispersion, occurs because of the different
refractive indices of the core and the cladding of fiber. The effective refractive index varies with wavelength
as follows:

 At short wavelengths, the light is well confined within the core. Thus the effective refractive index is
close to the refractive index of the core material.
 At medium wavelengths, the light spreads slightly into the cladding. This decreases the effective
refractive index.
 At long wavelengths, much of the light spreads into the cladding. This brings the effective refractive
index very close to that of the cladding.

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This result of the phenomenon of waveguide dispersion is a propagation delay in one or more of the
wavelengths relative to others.

Total chromatic dispersion, along with its components, is plotted by wavelength in Figure for dispersion-
shifted fiber. For non-dispersion-shifted fiber, the zero-dispersion wavelength is 1310 nm.

30 Material
dispersion
20 component

10 Total
chromatic
0 dispersion

-10
Wavelength
-20 dispersion
component
-30

-40

-50

1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600

Fig 2.10: Chromatic Dispersion

Though chromatic dispersion is generally not an issue at speeds below OC-48, it does increase with higher bit
rates due to the spectral width required. New types of zero-dispersion-shifted fibers greatly reduce these
effects. The phenomenon can also be mitigated with dispersion compensators.

2.6.2Polarization Mode Dispersion

Most single-mode fibers support two perpendicular polarization modes, a vertical one and a horizontal one.
Because these polarization states are not maintained, there occurs an interaction between the pulses that results
are smearing of the signal. Polarization mode dispersion (PMD) is caused by ovality of the fiber shape as a
result of the manufacturing process or from external stressors. Because stress can vary over time, PMD, unlike
chromatic dispersion, is subject to change over time. PMD is generally not a problem at speeds below OC-
192.

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2.6 Interfaces to DWDM
Most DWDM systems support standard SONET/SDH short-reach optical interfaces to which any
SONET/SDH compliant client device can attach. In today's long-haul WDM systems, this is most often an
OC-48c/STM-16c interface operating at the 1310-nm wavelength. In addition, other interfaces important in
metropolitan area and access networks are commonly supported: Ethernet (including Fast Ethernet and Gigabit
Ethernet), ESCON, Sysplex Timer and Sysplex Coupling Facility Links, and Fibre Channel. The new 10
Ethernet standard is supported using a very short reach (VSR) OC-192 interface over MM fiber between 10
Gigabit Ethernet and DWDM equipment.
On the client side there can be SONET/SDH terminals or ADMs, ATM switches, or routers. By converting
incoming optical signals into the precise ITU-standard wavelengths to be multiplexed, transponders are
currently a key determinant of the openness of DWDM systems.
2.8 DWDM System
The input signal from input source i.e. laser is fed to the transponder which converts it to
DWDM wavelength. This DWDM wavelength is multiplexed with signals to form a composite
signal. This signal is then amplified and fed to fiber. OADM is used to add/ drop bit streams
of particular wavelength. Before the signal reaches the de-multiplexer it is again amplified.
This signal is then de-multiplexed to DWDM wavelengths. Thus, the signal is fed to client
end.

Fig2.11: Block Diagram of DWDM

In case of dense wavelength division multiplexing the light travelling through the fiber is divided into
wavelengths. A certain range of frequencies called window, are kept in mind while choosing the wavelength.
DWDM basically does not increase the speed of travelling of data rather it sends the data in parallel in

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dedicated lanes. Each lane is independent from each other and thus traffic can travel at different speed. DWDM
is capable of carrying 24 channels but in future the capacity is expected to increase to 128 channels in a single
fiber.
2.8.1Components of DWDM System
A basic DWDM system consists of following components:
1. Transmitters/ Receivers: DWDM transmitters consist of a large number of transmission LASERs are
multiplexed into a single fiber. A large number of individual lasers with different wavelengths are used
to create individual channels of DWDM system. Pulses of light are created by laser and each pulse has
a particular wavelength (known as LAMBDA). A physical layer device is used to convert the incoming
electrical signal to light signal. These pulses propagate through fiber using the phenomenon of total
internal reflection. At the receiver end the light signal is converted to the electrical signal using an optical
sensor called photodiode.
2. Optical amplifiers: The optical signal (light) can be amplified directly using optical amplifiers without
first converting it to the electrical signal. These amplifiers add gain or boost the amplitude of optical
signals by simulating the photons of signal with extra energy. EDFA are the optical repeaters that amplify
the optical signal. The silica based optical fibers are doped with erbium to improve the power of
wavelength.
Pump power

Fiber weak signal amplified signal fiber

Optical Amplifier medium

Optical input signal optical output

Fig 2.12: Optical Amplifier

3. Optical Add/Drop multiplexers: The figure represents the operation of one channel OADM. Here
OADM is designed to add or drop signals with particular wavelength. ADD means the capability of
device to add new wavelength channel to existing multi wavelength signal. DROP means to remove
channel passing signal to another path. The incoming signal is broken into two components i.e. drop
and pass through. The signal that is dropped is passed to the receiver of client device and the passes
through signal is multiplexed with new signal stream.

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Fig2.13: OADM

4. DWDM Multiplexers / De-multiplexers: Multiple wavelengths are combined to be transmitted on

one fiber and these form a composite signal. At the receiver end this composite signal is again
separated into individual wavelengths using de-multiplexer. Optical multiplexer and de-multiplexer
are passive components. Since the process of this multiplexing and demultiplexing is optical thus
there is no need of external power source.

Fig2.14: DWDM multiplexers and de-multiplexers

5. Transponder (wavelength converter): Transponder is a device that is used to send and receive signals
from fiber and these are used to convert full duplex electrical signal to full duplex optical signal. These
convert optical signal of one wavelength to optical signal of another wavelength suitable for DWDM
applications. These are also known as optical –electrical-optical OE-O) wavelength converters. Thus,

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these are useful for optical communication but these are bulky and consume more power Thus these are
useful for optical communication but these are bulky and consume more power.

Fig 2.15: DWDM transponder

2.8 Conclusion
DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology has revolutionized the field of optical
communications, enabling high-speed data transmission over long distances. The fundamentals of DWDM
technology, DWDM increases network capacity by multiplexing multiple signals onto a single fibre.

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Chapter 3
DWDM in Metropolitan Area Networks
3.1 Introduction
The long distances made possible by advances in technologies such as optical amplifiers, dispersion
compensators, and new fiber types, resulted in the initial deployment of DWDM technology in the long-haul
transoceanic and terrestrial networks. Once these technologies became commercially viable in the long-haul
market, it was the next logical step to deploy them in the metropolitan area and, eventually, in the access
networks using hybrid architectures of fiber and coaxial media.

We begin the following discussion by considering the main transport and network technologies used in
metropolitan networks. We then briefly explore some of the potential applications for DWDM in these
networks and examine the topologies that can be deployed. We continue by examining the protection
mechanisms and schemes that are available to ensure reliability, and we conclude with a look at the future of
optical networking.

3.2 Technologies in the Metropolitan Market

Numerous technologies for transport and encapsulation of data have been advocated in the metropolitan
market. A characteristic of these networks, as noted earlier, is that they are called upon to support a variety of
older and new traffic types and rates. Overall, however, there is a trend toward using a common optical layer
for transporting digital data.
SONET/SDH
SONET/SDH has been the foundation for MANs over the last decade, serving as the fundamental transport
layer for both TDM-based circuit switched network and most overlay data networks. While SONET/SDH has
evolved into a very resilient technology, it remains fairly expensive to implement. Inherent inefficiencies in
adapting data services to the voice-optimized hierarchy and an inflexible multiplexing hierarchy remain
problematic. More importantly, capacity scaling limitations—OC-768 may be the practical limit of
SONET/SDH—and unresponsiveness to bursty IP traffic make any TDM-based technology a poor choice for
the future.
3.2.1 ATM
Many service providers favor ATM because it can encapsulate different protocols and traffic types into a
common format for transmission over a SONET infrastructure. Meanwhile the data networking world, which
is overwhelmingly IP-oriented, favors packet over SONET (POS), which obviates the costly ATM
intermediate layer. Advancements in IP, combined with the scaling capacity of gigabit and multigigabit routers,

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make it possible to envisage an IP-based network that is well suited for carrying primarily data traffic, and
secondarily voice. Nevertheless ATM remains strong in the metropolitan area. It can accommodate higher
speed line interfaces and provide managed virtual circuit services while offering traffic management
capabilities. Thus, ATM edge devices are commonly used to terminate traffic, including VoIP, DSL, and Frame
Relay.

3.2.2 Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet (GE) is a proven technology for easy migration from and integration into traditional Ethernet.
It is relatively inexpensive compared to other technologies that offer the same transmission rate, but does not
provide quality of service (QoS) or fault tolerance on its own. When confined to point-to-point topologies,
collisions and carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) are not of concern, resulting in more effective use of the
full bandwidth. Because the optical physical layer can support much longer distances than traditional Category
5 cable, Gigabit Ethernet over fiber (1000BASE-LX, for example) can be extended into the wide-area realm
using DWDM.

The latest advancement in Ethernet technology, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, is being driven by a need to interconnect
Ethernet LANs operating at 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps. Ten Gigabit Ethernet can be used for aggregating slower
access links, in the backbone networks, and for WAN access. Using 1550-nm serial lasers, distances of 40 to
80 km (25 to 50 mi) are possible with 10 Gigabit Ethernet over standard SM fiber. With such technology,
service providers can build simple Ethernet networks over dark fiber without SONET or ATM and provision
high-speed 10/100/1000 Mbps services at very low cost. In addition, a very short reach (VSR) OC-192
interface can be used to connect 10 Gigabit Ethernet to DWDM equipment over MM fiber.

3.2.3 FDDI
FDDI is at this point a legacy technology. Having served a need at one time, it has been replaced by more
advanced technologies. Although FDDI is capable of scaling to the metropolitan area, it is also a shared media
technology with a relatively low capacity by current standards. This limitation, along with falling availability
of FDDI interfaces on network equipment, is causing FDDI to be replaced by Gigabit Ethernet, or ATM.
Nevertheless, it is also a protocol that can be transparently transported over the optical layer using DWDM.
In spite of the disproportionate growth of data traffic versus voice, legacy traffic won’t suddenly vanish.
Networks must support diverse low speed connections in addition to newer, higher speed data connection.
Thus, DWDM must be complimented by electrical (TDM/FDM) multiplexing to ensure efficient use of
lightwaves. At the same time, legacy traffic must be augmented with high-capacity data transport without
impacting efficient IP transport. For ISPs, the situation is different: All of their traffic is IP. ISPs need rapid
build-out of networks and favor packet-over-lightwave or Gigabit Ethernet, rather than ATM or SONET. Other

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requirements of this market include load sharing strategies for resilience, leverage of dark fiber, and simpler
datacom-like management.
3.2.4 Storage Area Networks
Storage area networks (SANs) represent the latest stage in the evolution of mass data storage for enterprises
and other large institutions. In host-centric environments, storage, as well as applications, was centralized and
centrally managed. With the advent of client/server environments, information that was previously centralized
became distributed across the network. The management problems created by this decentralization are
addressed in two principal ways: network attached storage (NAS), where storage devices are directly attached
to the LAN, and SANs. Composed of servers, storage devices (tapes, disk arrays), and network devices separate
network, the SAN can relieve bottlenecks in the LAN by providing the resources for applications such as data
mirroring, transaction processing, and backup and restoration.

Local area
network
Server Server Server Server

Fibre Channel Fibre Channel

switch FC FC
switch

Storage area
network

Tape Tape
Disk array Disk array

Fig 3.1: SAN Architecture

A number of types of interfaces have been used to connect servers to devices in a SAN. The most prevalent is
IBM’s Enterprise System Connection (ESCON), a 17-MBps half-duplex protocol over fiber.

Fibre Channel, on which IBM’s FICON is based, is also frequently employed in SANs and has a much higher
capacity than ESCON (see the “Fibre Channel” section on page 3-3.) Both technologies, however, have
significant distance limitations. For example, the standard maximum distance without repeaters is around 3
km (1.9 mi) for half duplex ESCON and around 10 km (6.2 mi) for full duplex 100-MBps Fibre Channel.
There is performance degradation as distances increase beyond these numbers. This distance limitation can be
overcome by transporting data between one or more enterprise locations and one or more SANs over the optical
layer .

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Enterprise

Fibre Channel Fibre Channel

ESCON OADM OADM ESCON

Primary Standby
SAN SAN

New York New Jersey

Fig 3.1: SAN Architecture

In addition to overcoming distance limitations, DWDM can also reduce fiber requirements in SANs. Both
ESCON and FICON require a pair of fibers for every channel. By multiplexing these channels over DWDM
transport, significant savings can be realized.

3.2.5Migration from SONET/SDH

As a transport technology, SONET is an “agnostic” protocol that can transport all traffic types, while providing
interoperability, protection schemes, network management, and support for a TDM hierarchy. Although
SONET may continue to be the interface standard and transport protocol of choice well into the foreseeable
future, upgrading it is expensive, as line-rate specific network elements are required at each point of traffic
ingress or egress.

Using DWDM to increase the capacity of embedded fiber, while preserving SONET infrastructure, offers an
alternative to expensive SONET upgrades. Migration from SONET to DWDM may in fact be the single most
important application in the near term. In general, this migration begins by replacing backbones with DWDM,
then moves toward the edges of the network. In one common scenario, bandwidth on a SONET ring can be
increased greatly by replacing SONET ADMs with DWDM equipment.

 Replace or upgrade the equipment; for example, from OC-48 to OC-192.

 Install a new ring on new or existing fiber.
 Install one or more new rings by deploying DWDM.

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SONET
ADM

SONET SONET
ADM ADM

ADM

SONET

Fig3.2: Migrating the SONET Ring to DWDM

3.3 Topologies and Protection Schemes for DWDM

Network architectures are based on many factors, including types of applications and protocols, distances,
usage and access patterns, and legacy network topologies. In the metropolitan market, for example, point-to-
point topologies might be used for connecting enterprise locations, ring topologies for connecting inter-office
facilities (IOFs) and for residential access, and mesh topologies might be used for inter-POP connections and
connections to the long-haul backbone. In effect, the optical layer must be capable of supporting many
topologies and, because of unpredictable developments in this area, those topologies must be flexible.

Today, the main topologies in deployment are point-to-point and ring. With point-to-point links over DWDM
between large enterprise sites, there needs only to be a customer premise device for converting application
traffic to specific wavelengths and multiplexing. Carriers with linear-ring topologies can evolve toward full
rings based on OADMs. As configurable optical cross-connects and switches become more common, these
point-to-point and ring networks will be interconnected into meshes, transforming optical metropolitan
networks into fully flexible platforms.
3.3.1 Point-to-Point Topologies
Point-to-point topologies can be implemented with or without OADM. These networks are characterized by
ultra-high channel speeds (10 to 40 Gbps), high signal integrity and reliability, and fast path restoration. In
long-haul networks, the distance between transmitter and receiver can be several hundred kilo meters, and the
number of amplifiers required between endpoints is typically less than 10. In the MAN, amplifiers are often
not needed.

Protection in point-to-point topologies can be provided in a couple of ways. In first generation equipment,
redundancy is at the system level. Parallel links connect redundant systems at either end. Switchover in case
of failure is the responsibility of the client equipment (a switch or router, for example), while the DWDM
systems themselves just provide capacity.

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In second generation equipment, redundancy is at the card level. Parallel links connect single systems at either
end that contain redundant transponders, multiplexers, and CPUs. Here protection has migrated to the DWDM
equipment, with switching decisions under local control. One type of implementation, for example, uses a 1
+ 1 protection scheme based on SONET Automatic Protection Switching (APS).

OADM APS
APS

Fig3.3: Point-to-Point Architecture

3.3.2 Ring Topologies
Rings are the most common architecture found in metropolitan areas and span a few tens of kilometers. The
fiber ring might contain as few as four wavelength channels, and typically fewer nodes than channels. Bit rate
is in the range of 622 Mbps to 10 Gbps per channel.

Ring configurations can be deployed with one or more DWDM systems, supporting any-to-any traffic, or they
can have a hub station and one or more OADM nodes, or satellites (see Figure 3-9). At the hub node traffic
originates, is terminated and managed, and connectivity with other networks is established. At the OADM
nodes, selected wavelengths are dropped and added, while the others pass through transparently (express
channels). In this way, ring architectures allow nodes on the ring to provide access to network elements such
as routers, switches, or servers by adding or dropping wavelength channels in the optical domain. With increase
in number of OADMs, however, the signalis subject to loss and amplification can be required.

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Hub

λ 1, λ2,....λn λ 1, λ2,....λ n

OADM OADM

λ 1, λ2,....λn
λ 9-12
λ 1-4
λ 1, λ2,....λn OADM
λ 1, λ2,....λn

λ 5-8

Fig 3.4 Ring Architecture

Candidate networks for DWDM application in the metropolitan area are often already based on SONET
ring structures with 1 + 1 fiber protection. Thus schemes such as Unidirectional Path Switched Ring
(UPSR) or Bidirectional Line Switched Ring (BLSR) can be reused for DWDM implementations

Ring

Mesh Point-to-point

Fig3.5: Hybrid Architecture

DWDM mesh networks, consisting of interconnected all-optical nodes, will require the next generation of
protection. Where previous protection schemes relied upon redundancy at the system, card, or fiber level,
redundancy will now migrate to the wavelength level. This means, among other things, that a data channel
might change wavelengths as it makes its way through the network, due either to routing or to a switch in

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wavelength because of a fault. The situation is analogous to that of a virtual circuit through an ATM cloud,
which can experience changes in its virtual path identifier (VPI)/virtual channel identifier (VCI) values at
switching points. In optical networks, this concept is sometimes called a light path.

Mesh networks will therefore require a high degree of intelligence to perform the functions of protection and
bandwidth management, including fiber and wavelength switching. The benefits in flexibility and efficiency,
however, are potentially great. Fiber usage, which can be low in ring solutions because of the requirement for
protection fibers on each ring, can be improved in a mesh design. Protection and restoration can be based on
shared paths, thereby requiring fewer fiber pairs for the same amount of traffic and not wasting unused wave
lengths. Finally, mesh networks will be highly dependent upon software for management. A protocol based on
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is under development to support routed paths through an all-optical

network. In addition, network management will require an as-yet unstandardized channel to carry messages
among the network elements.

3.4 Conclusion
WDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology has emerged as a vital component in
Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), enabling high-speed data transmission, increased network capacity, and
scalability. The deployment of DWDM in MANs has transformed the way data is transmitted, processed, and
managed within urban and suburban areas DWDM increases MAN capacity, supporting multiple services
(data, voice, video). DWDM enables high-speed transmission (100G, 400G, etc.) over long distances. DWDM
reduces infrastructure costs, minimizing fiber requirements. DWDM supports flexible network architectures
(ring, mesh, etc.). DWDM ensures reliable and secure data transmission.

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Chapter 4
Advantages, Disadvantages and Applications

4.1 Advantages
1.Increased Network Capacity: Supports multiple signals on a single fiber, increasing network capacity. (Up
to 96 channels)

2. High-Speed Data Transmission: Enables data transmission rates of 100G, 400G, and beyond.

3. Long-Haul Transmission: Allows signal transmission over long distances without degradation.

4. Improved Spectral Efficiency: Maximizes fiber capacity by minimizing channel spacing.

5. Reduced Signal Attenuation: Minimizes signal loss during transmission.

6. Cost Savings: Reduces fiber requirements and infrastructure costs.

7. Lower Operational Costs: Decreases power consumption and maintenance needs.

8. Increased ROI: Provides high return on investment through increased capacity.

9. Energy Efficiency: Reduces power consumption and carbon footprint.

10. Reduced Cable Requirements: Minimizes environmental impact.

11. Scalability: Easily upgrades and expands network capacity.

12. Flexibility: Supports various network architectures and protocols.

13. Reliability: Ensures stable and secure data transmission.

4.2 Disadvantages

1.Complexity: DWDM systems are complex and require sophisticated technology.

2. Signal Attenuation: Signals weaken over long distances, requiring amplification.

3. Non-Linear Effects: Interference between channels, causing signal degradation.

4. Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) Noise: Noise generated by optical amplifiers.

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4.3 Applications

1.Telecommunications: The impact of DWDM on global telecommunications, allowing more data to travel
through existing fiber networks.

2. Data Centers: How DWDM is used in data centers to scale up their bandwidth capabilities.

3. Cloud Computing: The importance of DWDM in cloud computing environments for managing large
volumes of data.

4. Cable Television: How DWDM enables cable TV providers to transmit multiple channels over a single fiber
optic cable.

5.Wireless Communication: The role of DWDM in wireless backhaul networks, providing connectivity
between cell towers and core networks.

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Chapter 5

Conclusion

5.1 Conclusion

DWDM as a key technology to efficiently use of huge bandwidth available on fiber. By using graded index
fiber and changing the grading of the fiber we can accommodate a greater number of channels on the fiber.
DWDM enhances the bit rate or the data transmission thus it is widely deployed in Metropolitan Area Network.
DWDM will continue to provide the bandwidth for large amounts of data. In fact, the capacity of systems will
grow as technologies advance that allow closer spacing, and therefore higher numbers, of wavelengths. But
DWDM is also moving beyond transport to become the basis of all-optical networking with wavelength
provisioning and mesh-based protection. Switching at the photonic layer will enable this evolution, as will the
routing protocols that allow light paths to traverse the network in much the same way as virtual circuits do
today.

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References
[1] “Introduction to WDM testing”, EXFO Notes, 1997.

[2] Gerd E. Keiser, “A review of WDM technology and applications- Tutorial Paper”, Optical Fiber
Technology, Academic Press, 5, pp. 3-39, 1999.

[3] G.E. Keiser, Optical Fiber Communications, 4th ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 2011.

[4] N.K. Cheung et al., “Special issue on dense wavelength division multiplexing”,

[5] C.A. Brackett, “Dense wavelength division multiplexing networks: Principles and applications”, IEEE
Journal, Select Areas of Communications, Vol. 8, 948, 1990.

[6] N. Fujiwara et al., “Special issue on multiwavelength optical technology and networks”, J. of Lightwave
Technol., Vol. 14, 1996.

[7] J. Buss et al., “Tunable laser diodes and related optical sources”, Wiley-IEEE Press, New Jersey, 2 nd Ed.
2005.

[9] J. Buss and E.J. Murphy, “Tunable lasers in optical networks”, J. of Lightwave Technol., Vol. 24, pp. 5-
11, Jan. 2006.

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