Optical signals are transmitted in wavelengths, or channels, from a network headend to a subscriber home, business, multi-dwelling unit (MDU) or RF tap.
PPC has several types of passive devices to enable optical transport and multiplexing.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
A WDM enables operators to expand capacity and throughput by segmenting data bandwidth across multiple wavelengths, allowing an increase in services without laying additional fibers.
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM)
DWDMs accommodate more channels in a smaller band to maximize the capacity of fibers and can be amplified for longer distance transmissions, generally more than 35 miles.
Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM)
The signals from a CWDM cannot be amplified so a CWDM is suitable for distances less than 35 miles depending on signal throughput. CWDM networks or legs of networks can usually be field upgraded to DWDM as the need for speed and capacity increases.
Band Wavelength Division Multiplexing (BWDM)
A BWDM is typically good for multi-dwelling unit (MDU) applications where dense groupings of subscribers reside. A BWDM separates groupings of channels rather than single channels.
Optical Add-Drop Multiplexing (OADM)
The technology in an OADM is often used to provide dedicated channels to businesses or small clusters of subscribers.
