Active vs Passive
In the past, the use of wave propagation solutions for the construction of backbone networks was considered a complex and expensive solution, intended only for large operators.
It is the fear of the complexity of this type of solution that has caused many data centers, as well as many ISP operators, to have concerns about their use.
There are two methods building networks using wave propagation technology. The first of these, called Passive solution, is one in which we install the “colored” optics directly in the network equipment we have, such as routers, switches, etc.
The second of these is referred to as active solution, and the fundamental difference is that in this case we put a clear boundary between switches or routers and the wave propagation network. This boundary is transponders and muxponders.
Passive solutions allow fast and economical way to meet the needs in terms of increased bandwidth demand, but with the development of networks they can cause difficulties in management, for example due to the fact that the aforementioned “color” optics are distributed, installed in different devices, which makes collecting complete diagnostic information in one place quite a challenge.
Until recently, a considerable difficulty was the fact that the optical inserts used had to be compatible with the specific equipment in which they are installed. Today it still has to be so, but there is a device with which we can overcome this limitation: SRD (more about it in the article: Is there a universal optical module?).
Active solutions, in turn, allow you to bet a clear boundary between a SAN/LAN and a WDM network, making it possible to provide services based on your own fiber resources with a very high SLA.
In addition, thanks to the use of muxponders, active solutions allow optimal use of the optical spectrum by combining several streams with low bit rates and transmitting them through a wave multiplication network using only one optical channel. This makes stewardship Such a network and its maintenance is much easier and can translate into lower operating costs.
So let's collect the most important characteristics Passive solutions:
- distributed optical layer management
- limited ability to monitor performance and isolate faults
- low cost of implementation
Below are the most important features Active solutions:
- central management of the optical layer
- advanced fault monitoring and diagnosis capabilities
- Optimising the use of the optical spectrum
- clear boundary between SAN/LAN and WDM
So which solution to choose? Whether to bet on low cost of implementation? Or maybe decide to Optimum use of spectrum and central management? Contrary to appearances, the answer to these questions is not trivial and everyone can answer them in a different way.
Moreover, each of these answers can be correct. At Salumanus, we focus on selecting solutions to meet the demands of our customers and the rapidly changing world of telecommunications.
Not sure which solution is right for you?
Contact us, together we will go through a difficult decision-making process and help you choose the right solution for your network. We help build good ICT networks.