Traditional CWDM Mux/DeMux vs. FMU Series CWDM Mux/DeMux

With the need for bandwidth increasing, the WDM (wavelength division multiplexing) technology was developed to expand network capacity over a single fiber. It uses a multiplexer (Mux) at the transmitter to combine several signals together, and a demultiplexer (DeMux) at the receiver to split them apart. Most WDM systems operate on 9µm single-mode fiber optical cables. And they are divided into CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing) and DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing). This article mainly focuses on CWDM system.

CWDM Mux/DeMux Overview

 

CWDM is a technology which multiplexes multiple optical carrier signals on a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths/colors of laser light to carry different signals. In a CWDM system, the CWDM Mux/DeMux is one of the most important component.

The CWDM Mux/DeMux modules are passive optical solutions which are easy to operate with a reliable low-maintenance design, and do not use power supplies or electronics. They are designed to provide optical networking support for high-speed Fibre Channel and Ethernet communication for MAN (metropolitan area network) over a grid of CWDM optical wavelengths. CWDM Mux/DeMux is capable of multiplexing and demultiplexing wavelengths up to 18 channels from 1270 nm to 1610 nm in 20nm increments. Moreover, it works seamlessly with transceivers to optimize link length, signal integrity and network cost, and can be incorporated into a single rack-mount solution for enhanced design, power and space efficiency.

Traditional CWDM Mux/DeMux System

 

Typically, the CWDM Mux/DeMux modules interface to CWDM SFP/SFP+/XFP transceivers on an attached FC SAN or network device. This chassis-based system allows the addition of CWDM capability to any existing SAN or network device that supports LC SFP/SFP+/XFP transceivers. In short, the CWDM Mux/DeMux modules is connected with CWDM SFP/SFP+/XFP transceivers which are inserted into the switch SFP/SFP+/XFP ports by using LC single-mode patch cables.

 

The CWDM transceivers are hot-swappable, field-replaceable devices that adapt an electronic data signal to laser light at a specific wavelength. Moreover, they are color-coded to indicate the wavelength and have a color-coded clasp at one end. So the CWDM Mux/DeMux should be connected with the CWDM transceivers with the same wavelength as each transceiver will work only at the appropriate port and the data will always flow between devices with the same wavelengths. For instance, the port on the CWDM Mux/DeMux marked with 1470 nm, should be connected with the CWDM transceiver that works over 1470nm wavelength. As CWDM Mux/DeMux supports up to 18 different wavelengths, there are CWDM transceivers working over these 18 wavelengths. The following table lists the 1000BASE-CWDM SFP (20km) transceivers as an example.

Model ID	Wavelength	Description
33979	1270 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1270nm 20km DOM Transceiver
37319	1290 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1290nm 20km DOM Transceiver
37321	1310 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1310nm 20km DOM Transceiver
37320	1330 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1330nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52674	1350 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1350nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52675	1370 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1370nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52676	1390 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1390nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52677	1410 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1410nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52678	1430 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1430nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52679	1450 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1450nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52680	1470 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1470nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52681	1490 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1490nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52682	1510 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1510nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52683	1530 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1530nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52684	1550 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1550nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52685	1570 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1570nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52686	1590 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1590nm 20km DOM Transceiver
52687	1610 nm	1000BASE-CWDM SFP 1610nm 20km DOM Transceiver

FMU Series CWDM Mux/DeMux System

 

FMU CWDM Mux/DeMux modules are new types of modules launched by FS.COM. Compared with the traditional CWDM Mux/DeMux modules, the new FMU series modules are more user-friendly and show completely new characteristics.

With low-profile modular design, the FMU CWDM Mux/DeMux modules plug into one half of a 1RU, 19” rack mount chassis for simple installation and modularity. This chassis based system allows a network equipment manufacture to add CWDM capability to any existing networks with simple pluggable interface. Besides, the equipment ports of the FMU CWDM Mux/DeMux modules are color-coded to match the wavelengths of CWDM transceivers to simplify installation and troubleshooting without having to remove the transceivers from the local equipment. This color-coded feature is the major advantage of this new FMU series modules and it do greatly simplify the process of connecting a CWDM transceiver to its associated device port. The following picture is an example of 8 channels 1470-1610nm dual fiber CWDM Mux/DeMux. This new FMU series CWDM Mux/DeMux modules deliver dramatic cost savings to network equipment manufacturers, enabling them to develop metro access systems that are lower in cost, easier to provision and simpler to operate.

 

The following table lists FS.COM FMU series CWDM Mux/DeMux modules.

Model ID	Description
43554	4 channels 1470-1590nm single fiber CWDM Mux Demux
43553	4 channels 1490-1610nm single fiber CWDM Mux Demux
42972	4 channels 1270-1330nm dual fiber CWDM Mux Demux
42944	4 channels 1510-1570nm dual fiber CWDM Mux Demux
43780	8 channels 1290-1590nm single fiber CWDM Mux Demux
43779	8 channels 1310-1610nm single fiber CWDM Mux Demux
42945	8 channels 1290-1430nm dual fiber CWDM Mux Demux
43097	8 channels 1470-1610nm dual fiber CWDM Mux Demux
43711	9 channels 1270-1590nm single fiber CWDM Mux Demux
43699	9 channels 1290-1610nm single fiber CWDM Mux Demux
48393	4 channels 1470-1590nm single fiber CWDM Mux Demux with expansion port
48394	4 channels 1490-1610nm single fiber CWDM Mux Demux with expansion port
42973	4 channels 1510-1570nm dual fiber CWDM Mux Demux with expansion port
43099	8 channels 1470-1610nm dual fiber CWDM Mux Demux with expansion port
33489	18 channels 1270-1610nm dual fiber CWDM Mux Demux with monitor port
30408	1RU Rack Mount Chassis unloaded, holds up to 2 units half 19''/1RU FMU Cassettes

Note: The modules with expansion port allows adding or expanding more CWDM wavelengths/channels to the network for future upgrade. If used, it will be treated just like the other ports and up-jacketed and terminated as needed. If not used, it will be cut back into the module and terminated in a way to reduce reflections.

Conclusion

 

Both the traditional CWDM Mux/DeMux and the FMU series CWDM Mux/DeMux are used to increase fiber network capacity without the expense of deploying more fiber cables. They make full use of the low loss bandwidth of optical fiber to achieve ultra high bit rate transmission. The key difference is that it is more convenient and efficient for the FMU CWDM Mux/DeMux to connect with the CWDM transceivers. FS.COM provides both the two kinds of CWDM Mux/DeMux modules. For more details, you can visit www.fs.com.

 Originally published: www.fiberopticshare.com/traditional-cwdm-muxdemux-vs-fmu-series-cwdm-muxdemux.html

CWDM & DWDM Mux/Demux Overview

As we all know, WDM (wavelength-division multiplexing) is a method of multiplexing a number of optical carrier signals onto a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths (colors) of laser light. It enables bidirectional communications over one strand of fiber, as well as multiplication of capacity. In a WDM system, a multiplexer (Mux) is used at the transmitter to join the several signals together, and a demultiplexer (Demux) is used at the receiver to split the signals apart. This article will focus on the CWDM & DWDM Mux/Demux.

CWDM Mux/Demux

 

CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing) is an excellent choice for increasing bandwidth capacity while keeping costs down in short-range communication networks. CWDM Mux/Demux modules are bidirectional passive optical multiplexers and demultiplexers, allowing multiple optical signals at different wavelengths to pass through a single optical fiber strand. It can combine up to 18 different wavelength signals from different optical fibers into a single optical fiber, or separates up to 18 different wavelength signals coming from a single optical fiber to 18 separate optical fibers. The following picture shows the front panel of 18 channels 1270-1610nm dual fiber CWDM Mux Demux with monitor port.

DWDM Mux/Demux

 

DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) solution is the preferred option for long-haul transmission. The DWDM Mux/Demux modules deliver the benefits of DWDM technology in a fully passive solution. Usually, they are used for long-distance transmission where wavelengths are packed tightly together over the C-band range of wavelengths, up to 48 wavelengths in 100GHz grid (0.8nm) and 96 wavelengths in 50GHz grid (0.4nm). Currently, the most common configuration of DWDM Mux/Demux is from 8 channels to 96 channels. The following picture shows the front panel of 40 channels C21-C60 dual fiber DWDM Mux Demux with monitor port and 1310nm port, which is ideally suited for high-density add/drop requirements in DWDM networks.

 

Comparison Between CWDM and DWDM System

 

Price difference—CWDM system carries less data, but the cabling used to run is less expensive and less complex. A DWDM system has much denser cabling and can carry a significantly larger amount of data, but it can be cost prohibitive, especially where there is a need for a large amount of cabling in an application.

Transmission distance—DWDM system is designed for longer distance transmission as stated above. They can transmit more data over a significantly larger run of cable with less interference than a comparable CWDM system. If there is a need for transmitting the data over a long range, DWDM system will likely be the best in terms of functionality of the data transmittal and the lessened interference over the longer distances that the wavelengths must travel.

CWDM system cannot transmit over long distances because the wavelengths are not amplified, and therefore CWDM is limited in its functionality over longer distances. Typically, CWDM can travel anywhere up to about 100 miles (160 km), while an amplified DWDM system can go much further as the signal strength is boosted periodically throughout the run. As a result of the additional cost required to provide signal amplification, the CWDM solution is best for short runs that do not have mission critical data.

FS.COM CWDM & DWDM Mux/Demux Solution

 

Multiplexing enables a high density, scalable fiber solution. It allows an increase in the fiber utilization by carrying multiple signals down an individual fiber connection, rather than investing in more fibers. As a professional manufacturer and supplier in telecommunication industry, FS.COM offers a full range of CWDM & DWDM Mux/Demux. Our Mux/Demux modules are designed for the best possible performance levels, which helps to expand the bandwidth of optical communication networks with lower loss and greater distance capacities. They are protocol transparent and perfectly suit various applications, such as PDH, SDH/SONET, Fibre Channel, etc. With different housing options, the end users can easily add CWDM or DWDM capabilities to their existing or new networks. For more details, please visit www.fs.com.

Originally published: www.fiberopticshare.com/cwdm-dwdm-muxdemux-overview.html