Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM)

Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is an optical multiplexing

technology used to increase bandwidth over existing fiber networks. DWDM
works by combining and transmitting multiple signals simultaneously at different
wavelengths on the same fiber. The technology creates multiple virtual fibers, thus
multiplying the capacity of the physical medium.
Why DWDM?
Unlimited Transmission Capacity
Transparency
Scalability
Dynamic Provisioning
Flexibility of DWDM
DWDM is a protocol and bit rate independent hence, data signals such as ATM,
SONET and IP can be transmitted through same stream regardless their speed
difference. The signals are never terminated within the optical layer allows the
independence of bit rate and protocols, allowing DWDM technology to be
integrated with existing equipment in network.
Hence, theres a flexibility to expand capacity within any portion of their networks.
DWDM technology gives us the ability to expand out fiber network rapidly to
meet growing demands of our customer. DWDM coupled with ATM simplifies
the network, reduce network costs and provide new services.
They can add current and new TDM systems to their existing technology to create
a system with virtually endless capacity expansion.
 Structure of DWDM link

Basic Components & Operation

Transmitter: Laser with precise stable wavelength.
Link: Optical fiber that exhibits low loss and transmission performance in relevant
wavelength spectra.
Receiver: Photo detectors and Optical demultiplexers using thin film filters or
diffractive elements.
Optical add/drop channel: multiplexers and optical cross connect components.

Figure depicts transmitter and receiver of a DWDM system. Information

signals in the form of binary data are converted into corresponding wavelengths of
light. These are later multiplexed using coupler and multiplexer devices as shown.
Optical isolator is used to minimise back reflection. This information is amplified
using EDFA before being transmitted over single optic fibre cable. As signal need
to be travelled 50-100 km and in order to withstand path loss amplification to the
signal is a must.
Optical circulator along with FBG is employed to add or to drop some channels.
WDM is used if we need to combine 1550nm signals with 1310nm signal. At the
receiver demultiplexing is carried out and 1310nm signal is extracted from the
combined signals.At the receiver DWDM demultiplexer is employed to seperate
out all 1550nm signals.

DWDM Point to Point DWDM Mesh Designs

Advantages of DWDM Point to Point Systems

The DWDM point-to-point architecture is simple to build and
troubleshoot. It enables protocol transparency, incremental growth, and capacity
expansion over time, while dramatically reducing start-up costs. Point-to-point
solutions are also extremely efficient. No amplifiers or additional equipment
required.

Drawbacks of DWDM
Attenuation is caused by intrinsic factors primarily scattering and absorption and
extrinsic factors, including stress from the manufacturing process, the
environment, and physical bending
Rayleigh scattering is an issue at shorter wavelengths.
Attenuation due to absorption is an issue at longer wavelengths and the intrinsic
properties of the material. impurities in the glass, and any atomic defects in the
glass.
These impurities absorb the optical energy, causing the light to become dimmer.
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. Two general types of dispersion
Chromatic Dispersion is linear Chromatic dispersion occurs because different
wavelengths propagate at different speeds. It Increases as the square of the bit rate.
Polarization Mode Dispersion is nonlinear. Polarization mode dispersion (PMD)
is caused by ovality of the fiber shape as a result of the manufacturing process or
from external stressors.
Scattering Phenomena
- Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS)
- Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS)
Solution
use moderate channel powers and densely packed channel plan that minimizes the
overall width of the spectrum.
Refractive Index Phenomena
This group of nonlinearities includes
- self-phase modulation (SPM)
- cross-phase modulation (CPM)
- four-wave mixing (FWM)

Applications of DWDM

DWDM is ready made for long-distance telecommunications operators that

use either point-to-point or ring topologies.
Building or expanding networks
Network wholesalers can lease capacity, rather than entire fibers.
The transparency of DWDM systems to various bit rates and protocols.
Utilize the existing thin fiber
DWDM improves signal transmission
Future of DWDM

Two-way video communication

Digital video for our everyday use at home and at work.
Change from voice telephony to digital data heavy with video to require
multiplying backbone transmission capacity.
The Ultimate Squeeze
- reducing the space between wavelengths
- expanding the range of transmission wavelength
- better EDFAs
Develop better equipment for switching and manipulating the various
wavelengths after the signal emerges from the optical pipe.
WDM is creating huge new information pipelines that will bring better
service at lower cost. But the real information revolution wont come until
cheap WDM pipelines reach individual residences.

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