What is a DWDM optical module?

Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology can be used in different areas of communication networks, including long-distance backbone networks, metropolitan area networks (MAN), residential access networks, and local area networks (LAN).

In these applications, especially MANs, small form-factor pluggable (SFP) and other types of optical modules are often installed in high-density form factors. This is why people look forward to DWDM optical transceivers so much. This tutorial will tell you about the overview of DWDM optical modules, and introduce you to Beiyi Fibercom (WWW.F-TONE.COM) DWDM optical module solutions.

What is a DWDM optical module?

As its name tells us, the DWDM optical module is an optical module that combines DWDM technology. The DWDM optical module uses different wavelengths to multiplex multiple optical signals into one optical fiber, and this operation does not consume any power. These optical modules are designed for high-capacity, long-distance transmission, the rate can reach 10GBPS, and the working distance can reach 120KM. At the same time, the DWDM optical module is designed according to the Multilateral Agreement (MSA) standard to ensure a wide range of network equipment compatibility. 10G DWDM optical modules support ESCON, ATM, Fiber Channel and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBE) on each port. The DWDM optical modules on the market usually include: DWDM SFP, DWDM SFP+, DWDM XFP, DWDM X2 and DWDM XENPAK optical modules, etc.

Function and working principle of DWDM optical module

The basic function and working principle of the DWDM optical module are the same as other optical modules, which convert electrical signals into optical signals, and then convert optical signals into electrical signals. However, the DWDM optical module is designed for DWDM applications, and it is worth mentioning that it has its own characteristics and functions. Compared with the coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) optical module, the DWDM optical module is designed for single-mode fiber, and as clearly specified by ITU-T, it is in the DWDM nominal range of 1528.38 to 1563.86NM (channel 17 to channel 61). operate between wavelengths. It is used to deploy in DWDM network equipment of urban access and core network. It comes with an SFP 20-pin connector for hot-swappable functionality. Its transmitter section uses a DWDM multiple quantum well DFB laser, which is a Class 1 compliant laser according to the international safety standard IEC-60825. In addition, DWDM optical modules from many suppliers are compliant with the SFF-8472 MSA standard. The latest innovations in DWDM transmission systems include pluggable, tunable optical modules capable of operating on 40 or 80 channels. This achievement greatly reduces the need for separate pluggable modules when the full range of wavelengths can only be manipulated with a few pluggable devices here and there.

Classification of DWDM optical modules

Usually, when we refer to DWDM optical modules, we refer to Gigabit or 10 Gigabit DWDM optical modules. According to different packaging forms, DWDM optical modules can be mainly divided into five types. They are: DWDM SFP, DWDM SFP+, DWDM XFP, DWDM X2, and DWDM XENPAK optical modules.

DWDM SFPs

The DWDM SFP optical module provides a high-speed serial link with a signal transmission rate of 100 MBPS to 2.5 GBPS. DWDM SFP optical module complies with the requirements of IEEE802.3 Gigabit Ethernet standard and ANSI Fiber Channel specification, and is suitable for interconnection in Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Channel environments.

DWDM SFP+

DWDM SFP+ optical modules are specially designed for operators and large enterprises that require multiplexing, transmission and protection in point-to-point, add-drop multiplexing, ring, mesh and star network topologies High-speed data, storage, voice and video applications, using a scalable, flexible, cost-effective system. DWDM enables service providers to meet the requirements of a large number of aggregated services for any subrate protocol without installing additional dark fiber. Therefore, the DWDM SFP+ optical module is the best choice for the highest bandwidth application of 10 Gigabit.

DWDM XFP

The DWDM XFP optical transceiver complies with the current XFP MSA specification. It supports SONET/SDH, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Fiber Channel applications.

DWDM X2

DWDM X2 optical module is a high-performance serial optical transceiver module for high-speed, 10 Gigabit data transmission applications. This module is fully compliant with the Ethernet IEEE 802.3AE standard and is ideal for 10 Gigabit Ethernet data communications (rack-to-rack, client interconnect) applications. This transceiver module consists of the following components: transmitter with DWDM EML cooled laser, receiver with PIN type photodiode, XAUI connection interface, integrated encoder/decoder and multiplexer/demultiplexer device.

DWDM XENPAK

DWDM XENPAK optical module is the first 10 Gigabit Ethernet optical module that supports DWDM. DWDM is an optical transmission technology that transmits through multiple channels on the same optical fiber. With the help of optical amplifier EDFA, DWDM XENPAK optical module can support 32-channel data transmission with a distance of up to 200KM. A 10 Gigabit Ethernet system based on DWDM technology is realized without the need for a dedicated external device – an optical transceiver (to convert the wavelength from (eg: 1310NM) to DWDM wavelength) -.

Application of DWDM optical module

DWDM optical modules are usually used in DWDM systems. Although the cost of DWDM optical modules is higher than that of CWDM optical modules, DWDM is more and more widely used in MAN or LAN in terms of increasing requirements. Different DWDM optical module packaging types have different applications. DWDM SFP can be used in amplified DWDM network, Fiber Channel, ring network topology of fixed and reconfigurable OADM, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet and other optical transmission systems. DWDM SFP+ conforms to the 10GBASE-ZR/ZW standard and can be used for 10G optical cables. DWDM XFP is typically used where it complies with multiple standards including: 10GBASE-ER/EW Ethernet, 1200-SM-LL-L 10G Fiber Channel, SONET OC-192 IR-2, SDH STM S-64.2B, SONET OC-192 IR-3, SDH STM S-64.3B and ITU-T G.709 standards. Other types such as DWDM X2 and DWDM XENPAK are used for similar purposes. In addition, these DWDM optical modules can also be used for switch-to-switch interfaces, switching backplane applications, and router/server interfaces, etc.

HUANET supplies a full range of products for DWDM systems. Our R&D department and technical team, through advanced technology and strong innovation capabilities, have produced the best optical components in their class for DWDM systems. The DWDM optical transceiver product line is one of our best-selling product lines. We supply DWDM optical modules with different package types, different transmission distances and different transmission rates. In addition, HUANET’s DWDM optical modules are compatible with other brands, such as CISCO, FINISAR, HP, JDSU, etc., and are also suitable for OEM networks that require compatibility specifications. Finally, both OEM and ODM are also available.