Generally, fiber connections use 2 fibers – one for transmitting (Tx) and one for receiving (Rx) data:
Both transmit and receive using the same single wavelength e.g. 850, 1310, 1550nm
Typically, if you need to increase bandwidth between sites you have two options:
- Add more fiber pairs
- Upgrade switches to increase the data rate (e.g from 1G to 10G to 40G)
Installing new optical fiber infrastructure is not only cost-prohibitive but can require months of planning that may impact the ability to turn up new services. Additionally, unlit or “dark” fiber can be scarce and thus expensive.
Upgrading an existing network of switches from say, 10G to 40G is also not without its challenges and requires a significant amount of design effort, planning, and cost.
Maximizing existing optical fiber infrastructure is a challenge faced by network operators large and small. Network operators often face hard choices that balance ROI, timing, and planning for the future; each of which ultimately impacts customer satisfaction.
ProLabs cost-effective Bi-Directional Transceiver and WDM solutions provide operators with solutions to maximize existing fiber infrastructure and avoid the time and expense of installing new optical fiber. ProLabs solutions offer operators opportunities to rapidly provision new services with the assurance of working with a trusted partner.
What Are The Different Types of WDM?
Bi-Directional SFP/SFP+ = Double the bandwidth on existing fibers at relatively low cost
- Bidirectional transceivers are ideal for point to point connections
- Single Fiber Optic Connector
- Supported by most OEM Switch Platforms
- Data Rates 1G/2.5G SFP and 10G XFP/SFP+
- Distances: Up 110km @ 1G speeds and 80km @ 10G
WDM
Put simply, WDM is adding multiple signals to the same fiber pair, using different colors of light.
CWDM = Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing.
Key applications will be campus networks such as schools and universities and larger businesses with multiple sites.
- Between 8 and 18 channels depending on the distance of the link.
- Up to 160km at 1G
- Up to 80km at 10G
- Commercial (0°C to +70°C) and Industrial (-40°C to +85°C) temperature parts available
DWDM = Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing.
The key application will be MSPs, Mobile Network Operators and Telcos (long haul 40km+ transmission)
- Large capacity with 80+ channels available.
- Higher cost transceivers due to finer tolerances required
- Can be amplified to provide long-distance solutions
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