18 Channel CWDM Mux/Demux for 10G Network

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Imagine
turning a cottage into a majestic skyscraper without any innovation or
construction. This is what Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM) allows with
your existing fiber optic network. Without deploying additional optical fiber,
WDM network mux multiplexes multiple optical signal on a single optical fiber
by using different wavelengths, which greatly relieves fiber exhaustion and
extends link capacity. WDM technology comes into two flavors—CWDM and DWDM. In
this article, we’re gonna explore building a 10G network on CWDM Mux/Demux.

 

CWDM
Mux/Demux: Save Big With Network Expansion

CWDM
Mux/Demux increases fiber capacity in either 4, 8, 16 or 18 channel
increments. By increasing the channel spacing between wavelengths on the fiber,
CWDM allows for a simple and affordable method of carrying up to 18 channels on
a single fiber. CWDM channels each consume 20 nm of space and together use up
most of the single-mode operating range. The CWDM wavelengths most commonly
used are the eight channels in the 1470 to 1610 nm range. CWDM Mux/Demux allows
any protocol to be transported over the link, given it’s at the specific
wavelength.

 

16
Channel vs. 18 Channel CWDM Mux/Demux: Which to Choose?

The
capacity of a CWDM network is largely relayed on CWDM Mux/Demux. Generally, the
more channels a CWDM Mux/Demux provides, the larger capacity of a CWDM network
could have. The channel number of most CWDM Mux/Demuxs ranges from 2 to 18,
among which 16 channel and 18 channel CWDM Mux/Demux are more prevalent in use.
16 channel CWDM Mux/Demux and its 18 channel alternative have no difference
except that the later obtains two more CWDM channels (CWDM wavelengths), larger
capacity and hence more insertion loss. So the choice is not about which is
superior than the other, it actually depends on your specific demand and
application scenario. Usually a 18 channel CWDM Mux/Demux is recommended for
broader network capacity and scalability.

 

18CH
CWDM Mux/Demux Cabling Guide for 10G Network

Build
a 10G network with a 18CH CWDM Mux/Demux delivers prominent advantages with
reduced cost and improved efficiency. All you need is just 10G switches, 18CH
CWDM Mux/Demux modules, 10G CWDM SFP+transceivers (or 10G CWDM XFP, if the
switch is with XFP interfaces) and fiber patch cables. The typical architecture
of a 10G CWDM network is demonstrated in the picture below. Let’s take a review
of the four key elements required for a successful implementation of 10G CWDM
network.

 

18
Channel CWDM Mux/Demux Module

A
18 channel CWDM Mux/Demux utilizes all of the 18 CWDM wavelengths defined by
standards, which integrates up to 18 different wavelength signals into a single
optical fiber. The 18 CWDM wavelength channels are combined together in a
multiplexer so that it can be transported simultaneously over a single dark
fiber. fiber-mart.com passive 18-CH CWDM Mux/Demux is equipped with a monitor
port for better CWDM network management.

 

10G
SFP+ CWDM Transceiver Module

A
wavelength specific optical transceiver (SFP, SFP+, XFP, etc) plugged directly
in to the data or storage switch. Up to 18 discrete CWDM wavelengths are
available and can all be used as independent traffic channels. Each channel can
be any variety of 100/40/10/1G Ethernet. fiber-mart.com also provides strictly
tested 10G CWDM transceivers that fully compatible with the mainstream brands
on the market. All the 10G CWDM transceivers are tested in real environment to
guarantee best-in-breed performance and reliability. The following diagram
presents the generic CWDM SFP+ transceivers for 18 CH CWDM Mux/Demux.

 

LC-LC
Fiber Optic Patch Cable

The
transceiver modules and CWDM multiplexer ports are labelled with the discrete
wavelength channels. And fiber patch cable, usually an LC-LC patch cable is
used to bridge the transceiver and the corresponding channel on the CWDM
Mux/Demux. The ports on CWDM Mux/Demux module are colored in the diagram to
highlight the different colored wavelength channels. LC-LC fiber patch cables
are usually yellow. Besides, there are also specially-made fiber patch cables
available for demanding application scenario, including bend insensitive fiber
patch cable, switchable uniboot fiber patch cable and ultra low loss LC patch
cable.

 

Conclusion

With
the help of 18 channel CWDM Mux/Demux, 10G network has become approachable and
affordable with less labor-intensified work and deployment costs. Besides, a
CWDM system also enables unsurpassed flexibility to get fully prepared for any
capacity expansion in the future. fiber-mart.com is one of the featured vendors
to provide a complete solution for optical and enterprise network—your vendor
of choice for CWDM Mux network, optical transceiver modules, fiber patch cables
and other network components.