What is DWDM and How Does It Work?

Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) is an extension of optical networking. This technology puts together data signals from different sources, allowing them to share a single optical fibre pair whilst maintaining completely separate data streams.

What is DWDM and How Does It Work?

The ‘dense’ in DWDM refers to the fact that more than 80 separate wavelengths can share a single optical fibre. Each wavelength is around 0.8 of a nanometre wide on a single optical fibre. At one end, a DWDM device combines the output from multiple optical transmitters for transmission across a single optical fibre, rather than one for each separate wavelength. At the receiving end, a DWDM receiver then separates the optical signals, passing each one to an optical receiver. 

This allows for huge amounts of data to traverse a single network link without interference. As data travels on distinct wavelengths, the streams (or channels) do not interfere with each other, so the integrity of data is maintained, including any security-related partitioning.

As DWDM can handle so much data at any one time, it is extremely popular with telecommunications and cable providers, forming a key part of their core data networks. It’s also favoured by densely populated data centres and cloud service providers.

How does DWDM work?

The principle behind DWDM technology is to increase network capacity and make more efficient use of bandwidth. Data from multiple sources is multiplexed to travel together on a single optical fibre, with each signal traveling at the same speed, but on its own wavelength, before being demultiplexed into its original source. This means that even different data formats with different data rates can be transmitted together as required.

Some of the key benefits of DWDM technology include:

  • DWDM has revolutionised the transmission of information over long distances in the last two decades. At one time, accessing data from the other side of the planet was slow and expensive, whereas DWDM makes it fast and easy.
  • DWDM can expand data capacity and service as a backup bandwidth without the need to install new fibres, making it an ideal solution for long distance communications.
  • DWDM has great scalability and can be utilised to meet demand for data capacity.
  • Telecoms, cable and cloud service providers can quickly provide fast, simple and dynamic network connections.

10G DWDM

At Fibrenet, we provide a range of 10G DWDM devices to cater for different requirements, including:

  • 10GBASE-DWDM XXXX.XXnm SFP10G (100-GHz ITU grid), 40km, CHXX - This SFP+ format optical transceiver allows for DWDM optical networking over distances of up to 40km, at a data rate of 10Gb.
  • 10GBASE-DWDM XXXX.XXnm SFP10G (100-GHz ITU grid), 80km, CHXX - This SFP+ format optical transceiver allows for DWDM optical networking over distances of up to 80km, at a data rate of 10Gb.
  • 10GBASE-DWDM XXXX.XXnm XFP10G (100-GHz ITU grid), 80km, CHXX - This XFP format optical transceiver allows for DWDM optical networking over distances of up to 80km, at a data rate of 10Gb.

All these 10G (and also lower speed 1G DWDM) can be coded to every major vendor, such as Cisco, Juniper, Ciena, HP, Huawei, Nokia, Extreme, Palo Alto, Intel and Arista among others.

Purchasing DWDM devices

To discuss your DWDM requirements, or for further information on the wavelength specification and vendor compatibility of our DWDM products, please call today on 01666 715 715 or contact us here and our knowledgeable sales team will be able to assist you. 

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