Wave Division Multiplexing: Add/Drop and Multiplexers

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Add/Drop & Mux

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Add/Drop and Multiplexers

Mutliplexing is the process of combining several data streams operating at unique wavelengths on several fibers onto a single fiber "trunk". Demultiplexing is just the opposite, taking a fiber trunk and separating it into individual fibers, each transporting a different wavelength signal.

An Add/Drop Multiplexer takes a single wavelength from a trunk, pulls the signal out, and allows a new signal at the same wavelength to be inserted into the trunk at (roughly) the same spot. All the other wavelengths pass through the add/drop mux with only a small loss of power (usually a few dB).

This concept is especially important when planning WDM networks, and plays an important role in the overall distance a WDM network can span.

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