Why use xWDM in public institutions?
.png)
Want to increase network bandwidth without investing in new infrastructure? xWDM technology brings scalability, reliability and enhanced security, eliminating the need to replace cables. For public institutions, this means not only savings, but also greater network flexibility. Find out why xWDM is the key to modern networking solutions in the public sector.
Limitations of copper cables
From Morse codes running through copper cables, to the ether saturated with news in the digital world, data transmission technology has come a long and surprising way. It is a journey that gradually takes us to the limit of the bandwidth possibilities of copper cables and introduces us to the fascinating world of fiber optics.
Copper technology has proven itself since the days of telegraph, telephony and the Internet. The current capacity requirements are much higher, however, and copper is beginning to reveal its limitations. The distance we can send 1G Ethernet transmission using the most popular category of UTP 5E cables is limited to 100 meters. Meanwhile, higher categories, such as 6A, allow data transmission at speeds of up to 10 Gbps - which becomes the maximum for this medium.
Another limitation of copper cables is the risk of electromagnetic interference. If we lay copper cables close to the power infrastructure, then in the event of lightning, there may be a buildup of charge and damage to the infrastructure.
The solution to most of the problems associated with the use of copper cables is fiber optics. Fiber transmission can take place at distances of hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. The light signal transmitted by the fiber is resistant to electromagnetic interference, as well as difficult to intercept and manipulate. All in all, fiber optics give us higher bandwidths, the ability to transmit the signal over longer distances and increase transmission security.
xWDM, a way to save
What makes it possible to make even better use of optical fibers are the wave multiplication systems called WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) invented a few decades ago. This technology allows us to multiplex multiple signals at different frequencies/wavelengths into a single fiber optic fiber. Here we can use the analogy of a prism that splits white light into individual wavelengths, which we see as different colors.
The most commonly used wave multiplication technologies in networks are Coarse-Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM). Both technologies are well known in telecommunication environments due to their ability to transmit higher bandwidth and more channels. Thanks to them, we can send a signal over distances of the order of 100, 200 or even several thousand kilometers if we apply the appropriate amplification points in our infrastructure. Thanks to this, we can carry out urban and intercity connections without any problems.
What does CWDM mean?
CWDM is an economical solution, hence it is the first step in network optimization in budget units. Most often it is used in local connections (several/several kilometers). It allows you to send more services over the same infrastructure. CWDM technology is based on passive multiplexers that do not require power.
CWDM allows us to run up to 18 services on a single fiber pair. Importantly, each can be used to transmit a different protocol or bandwidth. On individual channels we can transmit VoIP telephony, SAN replication or Ethernet transmissions. Data can reach distances of up to 120 km.
What does DWDM mean?
DWDM is the second wave propagation technology widely used commercially. The main difference between CWDM and DWDM is that DWDM gives us more. More in terms of number of services and maximum distance.
DWDM, like CWDM, can be used to run services locally, with the difference that in this technology we have several times more channels at our disposal.
The second application of DWDM technology is long-range transmission. We can retrofit the DWDM system with active elements such as amplifiers. The role of amplifiers is to regenerate the signal, thanks to which in a cost-effective way significantly extend the transmission range.
Modeland optical
Optical modules form the basis of both CWDM and DWDM wave propagation technologies. Parameters such as transmitted power, receiver sensitivity or noise tolerance allow us to determine how far we can transmit a given transmission. Optical modules for xWDM applications must be able to generate a very precise wavelength. On the market there are fixed wavelength modules (so-called FIX) and modules in which the wavelength can be programmed (the so-called tunable).
CWDM or DWDM — what to choose?
CWDM and DWDM technologies are not mutually exclusive. This means that if we opt for one of them, nothing prevents us from installing another one on the same pair of fibers. Each of the technologies has distinctive features and when deciding to build it, it is worth considering the needs and choosing the solution that will best address them.
Wave multiplication technology allows you to add additional services to an existing route, without interrupting the work of already operating ones, which is its great advantage. Thanks to this, we skip planning the construction of further fibers, requests for approval for expansion and the search for a contractor, which would be necessary in case of expansion of the number of fibers.
Why use xWDM in the network?
- Saving on infrastructure — whether we have our own fibers or lease them from the operator, we can apply wave multiplication here. When building a xWDM system, we can lease only one fiber and send more than one service, without having to occupy another fiber.
- Multiservice — in the same xWDM system we can transmit Fibre Channel, Ethernet services, which in addition can be encrypted in layer one
- Long Range Transmission — Due to the availability of amplifiers, xWDM systems, specifically DWDM, support long-range transmission.
summary
In conclusion, fiber technology has opened new horizons for data transmission. We can transmit transmissions further and we have higher bandwidths at our disposal. Of course, copper remains reliable for certain applications, however, it is increasingly falling into the background. Fiber optic fibers, on the other hand, bring decisive advantages in terms of distance, speed, safety and efficiency. And xWDM wave propagation systems make it possible to increase the capabilities of each fiber. Before deciding which system will be better, it is worth analyzing your needs and the ratio of price to quality of service to determine what is the best solution for the needs of your network.
Read more:
What is DWDM and why do you need it?
QSFP28 DWDM - Scalability Simplicity for DCI