Follow these 5 easy steps for a DWDM/OTN network from PacketLight:
Step 1 - Contact us and send us your requirements
Step 2 - We will design your DWDM network
Step 3 - Place the order and receive the devices
Step 4 - Install, manage and maintain with our user-friendly web-based GUI and NMS
Step 5 – Get 24/7 support from our technical team
DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) combines multiple wavelengths into a single optical fiber and supports long haul, metro and DCI applications with high capacities of 100G/200G/400G over a single wavelength. DWDM enables better fiber utilization, as it increases fiber capacity by a factor of 16-96 and enables building effective optical networks. In WDM technology, each channel is transparent to the speed and type of data, and any mix of Ethernet, SAN, OTN, SONET/SDH and native video services can be transmitted simultaneously over a single fiber or fiber pair. One of the advantages of DWDM is the use of optical amplifiers, which can amplify the entire DWDM spectrum and overcome long spans of attenuation and fiber loss, enabling cost-effective transmission over long distance. Its ability to handle large capacity of data makes DWDM the preferred solution for many industries and organizations running a fiber optical network.
OTN (optical transport network) is an optical network protocol that efficiently deals with network traffic demands by mapping storage, video, voice, and other types of protocols at different rates into the same 10G (OTU2), 100G (OTU4), 200G (OTUC2), or 400G (OTUC4) uplink. This provides simpler high bandwidth capabilities at a comparatively low cost. OTN relies on ITU-T G.709 standard to transparently encapsulate client signals and provide faster troubleshooting and monitoring capabilities for high SLA. OTN includes the additional benefit of forward error correction (FEC) which enables transport over longer distances with less regeneration sites.
It is now more evident that it is possible to tap the fiber optic cable and extract the data transmitted over it. Encryption of Layer-1, the optical layer, answers the data security needs of DWDM and OTN links, while adhering to requirements and regulations that have been put into place to maintain confidentiality, data integrity, and authentication. Implementing encryption at Layer-1 of the signal has several advantages: multiple client services are supported, deployment is relatively simple, it is transparent to the traffic at full bandwidth without degradation to the link and no omissions, and it supports low latency applications. The optical layer can also detect tapping attempts as power levels of the DWDM channels are constantly monitored and alerts are raised if there is any change.
Data center interconnect (DCI) technology links two or more data centers, enabling the effective transport of multiple 10/40/100/400Gb Ethernet and 8/16/32G FC services over a DWDM fiber optical network. Today’s data centers have rapidly evolved from offering basic storage services to providing full scale connectivity, storage, and disaster recovery, which has become critical and regulated. The need to transmit massive amounts of data at any time, from any place, and from any device, for applications such as video, data backup and cloud services, has boosted market demand for high capacity links and seamless DCI.
Muxponders combine (multiplex) multiple services into a single wavelength/uplink, utilizing ITU optical transport network (OTN) protocol for mapping the services over the same uplink. The muxponders maximize fiber capacity by reducing the number of wavelengths needed to transport data, making them ideal for future network growth. Carriers, dark-fiber providers, ISPs and other industries often deploy muxponders due to their carrier-grade features such as remote monitoring and management, link diagnostic tools, and bi-directional performance monitoring of the client service interfaces and uplink.
In optical fiber communications, transponders extend network distance by converting short-range optical interfaces of LAN and SAN switches and routers into wavelengths. The transponder converts the optical client signal to an electrical signal by preforming the 3R (retiming reshaping and re-amplifying) or by mapping it into the optical transport network (OTN), and converts it back to an optical signal toward the line side, and into the user-selected wavelength. Performing the 3Rs enables a reliable error-free optical communication link, and mapping the signals into standard OTN which supports forward error correction (FEC) in long haul and metro amplified links, enables transmission without the need for regenerators. Transponders transport data, storage, video, and voice services and rates over metro, long haul, and data center interconnect applications. The transponders create full demarcation between local Layer-2/3 switches and routers and the optical network layer, and are agnostic to the equipment used. Carriers, dark-fiber providers, ISPs and other industries often deploy transponders for building their carrier-grade backbone and DCI network, or for providing managed services to enterprises.
In optical fiber communications, transponders and muxponders are the elements that send and receive the optical signal over the fiber. Muxponders combine (multiplex) multiple low capacity services into a single high capacity wavelength/uplink, utilizing ITU optical transport network (OTN) protocol and mapping. Transponders convert each optical signals from the customer equipment to a wavelength, and can transport data, storage, video, and voice services. The rate and type of the service and the uplink are the same.
Alien wavelengths are wavelengths that are vendor-agnostic to third-party Ethernet and Fibre Channel switches and can be added to OTN/DWDM networks to drive more capacity without the need to replace existing backbone infrastructure. The solution answers the demand for increased transport capacity and releasing bottlenecks in any network. Alien wavelengths also enhance business opportunities by enabling the delivery of services that may not be supported by existing infrastructure (e.g. Fibre Channel and video), and Layer-1 encryption. They can also offer encrypted services over existing unsecured network for dedicated customers or applications, and enable encrypted wavelength services over existing networks.
The ROADM (reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer) offers flexible wavelength routing capabilities for mesh, ring, linear add/drop, core and edge DWDM network topologies. The ROADM is configured dynamically to add and drop selected wavelengths at any node in the network, and enables seamlessly changing the network node capacity as needed. The ROADM can be configured remotely and automatically maintains the equalization and power balance of the added and bypassed wavelengths. The ROADM enables fast turn-up of new wavelengths from any site to any site in the network. PacketLight’s ROADM network is managed through PacketLight Lightwatch™ NMS.
Low power consumption reduces costs, ensures low heat dissipation, less electromagnetic flux, and is environmentally friendly, all of which prevent damage to the operations and communications systems. With operators and data centers looking for ways to save costs, DWDM/OTN equipment manufacturers are responding with:
- Green technology - High-efficiency components that consume less power with high-level system integration.
- Smart cooling systems - Precise, automated fan speed control to regulate the device to the required temperature, save power, and reduce noise.
- Consumption as you grow - Add optical modules and change power consumption only when needed and activated.
- Power and footprint - Utilize the latest components, such as optics and DSPs, to reduce power consumption per bit.
Optical amplifiers extend the optical link power budget for building long-distance dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) networks by amplifying up to 96 wavelengths (the full C-band). Optical amplifier types include Raman and three main types of Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFAs): booster, inline, and pre-amplifier. Optical amplifiers form an amplified optical transport network (OTN) link over long distances, without the need for regenerators or for building ROADM networks. The feature set of optical amplifiers includes remote management, configuration, and monitoring via an optical supervisory channel (OSC).
A multiplexer (mux for short) device takes several input wavelengths from different sources and aggregates them into a single fiber. By doing so, it increases the amount of data transferred over the network, as multiple wavelengths are sharing the same fiber. A demultiplexer (demux for short) performs the opposite function: it takes a single fiber input with multiple wavelengths and disaggregates it into multiple fibers, each carrying a single wavelength. Mux/demux devices are passive and do not require any power. They play an important role in DWDM systems, as they increase efficiency, and reduce operating costs. PacketLight’s mux/demux solutions support 4/8/16/48/96 wavelength capacity, with different spacing between the wavelengths.
A self-built fiber optic cabling infrastructure can dramatically lower capital expenditures and operating expenses. If you’re an IT leader considering building a private network, follow these steps:
- Acquire dark fiber - select a provider who can fill your requirements and provide for your current and future needs, within budget and with good fiber quality.
- Decide on a colocation site - select a site (hybrid cloud, on premise, etc.) that fits your enterprise’s unique needs such as cost, location, power rental, security, and proximity to servers.
- Define equipment needs - consider capacity requirements, continuous data transmission between sites, level of security needed, and scalability of the infrastructure for future network needs.
- Train your staff - train your network managers and IT team to ensure smooth integration into the organization’s infrastructure.
PacketLight Networks develops and manufactures leading DWDM and OTN equipment for the transport of data, storage, voice and video protocols over data center interconnect (DCI), metro and long haul fiber optic networks. PacketLight devices include optional embedded Layer-1 encryption that enables the secure transport of up to 400G per wavelength.
What makes PacketLight stand-out?
- Our highly integrated transponders and muxponders deliver up to 4.8T capacity in just 1U form factor, integrating amplifiers, mux/demux and optical switch. This saves rack space, simplifies management, and generally reduces network costs.
- Our high quality devices adhere to the strictest standards, making them key to the network’s reliability.
- Our devices do not require an expert in optical networking, as they are simple to install, maintain and configure with our user-friendly web-based GUI and our LightWatch network management system (NMS).
- Our flexible transponders and muxponders support a variety of protocols and rates and customers do not need a license to activate ports or change the service type of a port.
- Our ROADM devices are open and do not require a license for adding wavelengths or degrees.
- Our standardized pluggable modules make growing the network simple and cost-effective, and ensure there is no vendor lock-in.