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We at Transition Networks are often asked, “Can I use a standard ZX or ZR optic on the 1550nm port of one of your CWDM multiplexers?” The truth is that you may be able to, but we never recommend attempting to do so. Here is a little background on why that is: (more…)
Users of today’s voice, video, and data networks are becoming more complex – requiring more bandwidth and faster data transmission rates over farther distances. To meet these demands, network managers are relying more and more on fiber optics. But the reality that many Service Providers and Enterprise Corporations are facing is that once their available fiber infrastructure is exhausted, laying more fiber is no longer an economical or feasible option. So, now what?
Many are turning to Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) technologies in order to increase capacity on the fiber links that are already in place. WDM is a technology which multiplexes multiple optical signals on a single fiber by using different wavelengths, or colors, of laser light to carry the different signals. By utilizing bidirectional communications over a single fiber, network managers can realize a multiplication effect in their available fiber’s capacity.
A quick study of WDM yields three major options: Bidirectional Wave Division Multiplexing (BWDM), Coarse Wave Division Multiplexing (CWDM) and Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM). This paper will take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of all three, as well as provide cost comparisons between each option. In order to provide consistent cost comparisons, only one manufacturer will be illustrated in the various examples. Due to their widespread market familiarity, we have chosen to use Cisco’s SFP, CWDM, and DWDM equipment in these comparisons.
If you are reading this post and you are familiar with Transition Networks and the concept of media conversion, you are probably already aware of the Fiber to Copper conversion products that we provide. You may also be aware of the multimode to single-mode conversion products that we offer. But did you know that we also offer multimode to multimode converters and single-mode to single-mode converters? This may sound strange to you and you may be asking if both fiber types are the same, what sort of conversion would I need to do within my network? Well one example that we’ve written about before, is mixing 62.5 and 50 micron fiber within multimode environments. But the more prevalent example of where you would have the same fiber type – yet still need to do some sort of conversion for the equipment to “talk”, would be when you are connecting fiber with differing wavelengths, like single-mode at 1310nm and 1550nms. (more…)
As the surge for additional convergence technology and increased-bandwidth continues, CWDM Ethernet-over-fiber seems to be a viable solution for service providers.
CWDM involves both sides of the equation. That is, reducing operating costs and increasing revenue. As the traditional service revenue declines, service providers shift their focus on finding new sources of services to develop. The continuation of high-speed services, HDTV, IPTV, VOIP and video-on-demand are all areas designed for revenue growth. (more…)
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