What are wave multiplication systems?

WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology allows you to increase the capacity of a fiber optic fiber. For this purpose, it uses the multiplication of optical signals of different wavelengths known colloquially as “colors”. There are many types of these systems (including CWDM, DWDM, FWDM), so this technology is often referred to as xWDM.

WDM systems have already been on the market for more than two decades. The technology has gained prominence in recent years with increasing expectations for data transmission. Depending on the chosen system, xWDM can transmit up to 96 independent transmission channels.

xWDM systems are scalable, which means that we can extend the transmission to additional channels, but also aggregate smaller bitrates to a single lambda, using layer one muxponders for this purpose.

Wave propagation technology offers great opportunities, on the one hand to optimize the cost of fiber optic lease, on the other - to maximize the profits of the existing fiber optic infrastructure.

xWDM systems - why is it worth it?

• Savings on infrastructure

Using multiplexers of one or two fibers, more than one transmission can be transmitted.

• Multiservice

Thanks to xWDM technology, at each length we can run a different service, it does not matter the bandwidth or the protocol used.

• Flexibility

xWDM allows you to continuously expand your network with additional services.

• Scalability

Scalability

Division and specificity of passive xWDM technologies (CWDM, DWDM, O-Band)

Passive components in xWDM technologies are crucial for efficient data flow management in fiber optic networks. The choice between CWDM, DWDM and O-Band depends on the specific requirements of the application in terms of bandwidth, distance and cost.

• CWDM (Coarse-Wavelength Division Multiplexing)

Passive CWDM devices multiplex (combine) or demultiplex (split) fiber signals at different wavelengths.

Application: Ideal for systems with fewer channels and shorter distances, where cost and complexity are key factors.

• DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing)

Passive DWDM devices are more complex than CWDM, due to smaller channel spacing (typically 0.4 nm to 1.6 nm).

Application: Used in applications requiring high bandwidth and long distances, where a greater number of channels is required.

• O-band

O-Band is currently less common in passive WDM systems, but can be used in short-range applications.

Application: Mostly in short-range networks, where chromatic dispersion is less of an issue.

“O-Band” band in networks

Network operators and service providers are increasingly using the “O” band (1260-1360 nm) in single-mode fiber to modernize their network infrastructure. This band, popular in the 1970s, is characterized by low chromatic dispersion, which allows signals to be transmitted without significant distortion, but has a higher attenuation compared to the “C” band (about 1550 nm), which is preferred for longer distances.

Salumanus, as one of the first companies, introduced “O” band-based solutions, including QSFP28 optical modules and Photonics GBC multiplexers. These devices, using WDM technology with a 200GHz mesh, allow 100G transmission multiples over distances of up to 30 km without the need for optical amplifiers. The modules work with PAM4 modulation and are compatible with single- and dual-fiber applications.

Using the “O” band, you can significantly reduce the cost of network construction by up to 50% and the total cost of ownership (TCO) in 5 years - by about 80%.

Learn more about O-Band: How to reduce the cost of building a 5G network? https://www.salumanus.com/aktualnosci/jak-obnizyc-koszty-budowania-sieci-5g-renesans-pasma-o-band

Which xWDM solution to choose to optimize your network?

At Salumanus, we are happy to answer this question by proposing a solution tailored to your specific needs.

xWDM systems designed in our laboratory work on hundreds of fiber optic connections throughout Poland. We are trusted by telecom operators, ISP companies, as well as customers from the public or banking sector.

We will support you both at the stages of solution selection, design, implementation, as well as maintenance of installed Systems. We will train network engineers and provide technical support and AHR (Advanced Hardware Replacement) services.