Fiber Driver CWDM and DWDM Multiplexers/DeMultiplexer
CWDM and DWDM Multiplexers/DeMultiplexers (MUX/DeMUX) provide the basic separation and combination function for each ITU wavelength grid. These modules may operate in pairs to establish a common trunk path for a range of optical channels to share an optical media fiber.
MRV provides a wide selection of specialized MUX/DeMUX modules for WDM. Custom WDM solutions are also available for applications beyond the current product designs including hybrid combinations of CWDM and DWDM.
Datasheets
Features
- Dual or Single Fiber Bi-directional Links
- Multiple ITU Grid Wavelengths
- MUX/DeMUX Functions Combined
- Balanced Insertion Losses
- Optical Service Channel (OSC)
- Local Monitor Port
- Inventory and Status Management
Applications
- Theory of Operation
- A MUX at one end of a link combines a set of WDM wavelengths into a common optical fiber while a DeMUX at the other end separates the signals again for access by individual devices. The single shared fiber is divided into multiple virtual optical circuits that effectively multiply the available bandwidth on the fiber.
- Some Fiber Driver MUX/DeMUX modules combine the two endpoint functions so that a single module at each end of the link creates bi-directional dual-fiber virtual links.
- Passive optical technology is not directional, so light signals may pass in either direction. While a MUX module may perform the DeMUX function simply by sending the signal in the opposite direction, each module is designed to minimize insertion loss to the transmission. Multiple-port DeMUX modules are therefore designed to pair with specific MUX modules to balance the insertion loss across the virtual link ports. Balanced insertion losses by wavelength are important when budgeting optical transmission power for a WDM network.
- A bi-directional link may be created with either a pair of one-way"uni-directional" fibers or a single two-way “bi-directional” fiber, each channel using a different wavelength for data in the two directions. Since a data light source may appear at either end of a link, a WDM link may carry a set of wavelengths in each direction to establish multiple bi-directional links over a single fiber.
- An optical service channel (OSC) option on some modules aids administration of complex WDM networks. Each local network may use either a dual fiber (generally 1310 nm) or a bi-directional single fiber (generally 1310 nm and 1350 nm) for dedicated management data transport. Each module multiplexes the service channel with the data wavelengths over the common link for de-multiplexing at the remote site.
- A monitor port is available on some modules to locally sample multiplexed link traffic for administration. This monitor diverts minimal light from the link to limit any losses for network usage, and the monitor signal may be amplified as needed.
- Passive optical modules are designed for specific wavelengths and functions. A network management module co-resident with these optical modules in a powered chassis enables inventory and status reporting
