Dense

Wavelength
Division
Multiplexing
February 1999

INTRODUCTION

DWDM TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

DWDM System Components
DWDM Lasers
Optical Multiplexer
Optical Receiver
Optical Amplifier
Competitive Technologies

1
2
2
3
3
3
4

BENEFITS OF DWDM SOLUTION

INTEGRATED DWDM FOR THE ASX-4000

DWDM-Capable OC-48c Port Cards
WMX-4 DWDM Multiplexer

6
6
7

APPLICATIONS
8
Extended Distance OC-48c ASX-4000 Interconnection 8
10Gbps ASX-4000 Interconnection Over Single Fiber
Pair
9
Reduced Cost Interface to High-End DWDM Systems 10
CONCLUSION

10

INTRODUCTION
One of the major trends in networking in late 1990s has been a relentless growth
in demand for bandwidth in both enterprise and service provider networks.
Driving the need for more bandwidth is a combination of factors. More users are
connecting as the commercial Internet offers a new online experience for
consumers. Internet computing applications, including multi-tier distributed
databases, interactive multimedia communication, and electronic commerce rely on
the network and demand network resources. A new generation of high-speed
Internet access is emerging to meet bandwidth demands and further amplify core
bandwidth requirements.
At the same time, competitive pressures make it imperative that networking costs
be reduced even as the demand for capacity and new services increases. Successful
companies are constantly on the lookout for new technologies which can provide a
competitive edge and increase their cost effectiveness.
Optical networking has emerged as a solution to the bandwidth crunch. In
particular, one new optical technology Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
(DWDM) promises to increase the capacity and performance of existing fiber
optic backbones. DWDM offers a capacity upgrade solution with greater
scalability and lower cost than available alternatives.
FORE Systems flagship ATM backbone switch, the ForeRunner ASX-4000, offers
an integrated DWDM solution that combines the benefits of DWDM transmission
with the unique benefits of FOREs industry-leading switching technology,
including Dynamic Protection Switching and Capacity Aware Routing.

DWDM TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

Most of todays high speed backbones consist of fiber optic links operating 2.5
gigabits per second (Gbps) or less. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is a
technique for increasing the information-carrying capacity of optical fiber by
transmitting multiple signals simultaneously at different wavelengths (or colors)
on the same fiber. In effect, WDM converts a single fiber into multiple virtual
fibers, each driven independently at different wavelengths. Systems with more
than a small number of channels (two or three) are considered Dense WDM
(DWDM) systems. Nearly all DWDM systems operate across a range of
wavelengths in the 1550nm low-attenuation window.
Systems with four to forty channels, with up to 10Gbps per channel, are
commercially available today from several vendors, and the technology is
advancing rapidly. Systems with 80 or more channels will soon be available.
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Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
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DWDM System Components

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a DWDM system consisting of the following
components:

data 1

data 2

Optical transmitters (lasers)

Optical multiplexer and demultiplexer
Optical amplifier
Optical receivers

Transmitter
Transmitter
Transmitter

data 4

Transmitter

1, 2, 3, 4

Mux

data 3

1
2

2
Demux

Amplifier
4

Receiver

data 1

Receiver

data 2

Receiver

data 3

Receiver

data 4

Figure 1 Components of a DWDM System

DWDM Lasers
DWDM systems use high resolution, or narrowband, lasers transmitting in the
1550nm wavelength band. Operation in the 1550nm range provides two benefits:
It minimizes optical power loss as the signal propagates along the
fiber allowing much greater transmission distances with better signal
integrity
It permits the use of optical amplifiers to boost signal strength for
extended distances. Optical amplifiers are much less costly than
electrical amplifiers because they do not have to regenerate the
individual optical signals.
Narrowband transmit lasers are important for allowing close channel spacing and
for minimizing the effects of other signal impairments (e.g. chromatic dispersion)
which would otherwise limit the allowable distance before the signal must be
regenerated electronically.
The ITU has specified standard channel spacing plans to ensure interoperability
between equipment from different vendors. In addition to interoperability, this
standardization allows manufacturers to realize volume-based cost reductions by
producing standard, rather than custom components.

Optical Multiplexer
The optical multiplexer combines the transmit signals at different wavelengths
onto a single optical fiber, and the demultiplexer separates the combined signal
into its component wavelengths at the receiver. Several technologies are currently
used for optical multiplexing and demultiplexing, including thin-film dielectric
filters and various types of optical gratings. Some multiplexers are constructed as
completely passive devices, meaning they require no electrical input. Passive
optical multiplexers behave essentially like very high precision prisms to combine
and separate individual colors of the WDM signal. Like prisms, most passive
optical devices are reciprocal devices, meaning they function in the same way
when the direction of the light is reversed.
Typically the multiplexing and demultiplexing functions are provided by a single
device, a WDM multiplexer/demultiplexer. Some multiplexers have the ability to
transmit and receive on a single fiber, a capability is known as bi-directional
transmission.

Optical Receiver
The optical receiver is responsible for detecting the incoming lightwave signal and
converting it to an appropriate electronic signal for processing by the receiving
device. Optical receivers are very often wideband devices, i.e. able to detect light
over a relatively wide range of wavelengths (from about 1280-1580nm). This is
the reason why some seemingly incompatible devices can actually interoperate.
For instance, directly connecting two otherwise compatible network interfaces with
different transmitter wavelengths is usually not a problem, even though one end
may be transmitting at 1310nm and the other at 1550nm!
Optical Amplifier
An amplifier is sometimes used to boost an optical signal to compensate for power
loss, or attenuation, caused by propagation over long distances. While typically not
required on links of less than about 65km, optical amplifiers represent an
important advancement for WDM.
Before the development of optical amplifiers, the only way to boost an optical
signal was to regenerate it electronically, that is, convert the optical signal to an
electrical signal, amplify it, convert it back to an optical signal, and then
retransmit it. Electronic regeneration of a WDM signal would require a separate
regenerator for each wavelength on each fiber. A single optical amplifier, on the
other hand, can simultaneously amplify all the wavelengths on one fiber. This
allows the cost of signal amplification to be spread over several users or
applications.
An additional benefit of the optical amplifier is that as a strictly optical device, it is
a protocol- and bit rate-independent device. That is, an optical amplifier operates
the same way regardless of the framing or bit rate of the optical signal. This
allows a great deal of flexibility in that an optically amplified link can support any

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Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
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combination of protocols (e.g. ATM, SONET, Gigabit Ethernet, PPP) at any bit
rate up to a maximum design limit.

Competitive Technologies
Historically, network managers have had two alternatives for increasing the
capacity of a fiber optic transmission plant: use more fiber, or operate the same
fiber at a higher bit rate. Figure 2 is a schematic showing the available options for
increasing transmission capacity from 2.5Gbps to 10Gbps.
data 1

Transmitter

Receiver

data 1

data 2

Transmitter

Receiver

data 2

data 3

Transmitter

Receiver

data 3

data 4

Transmitter

Receiver

data 4

Figure 2 (a) Space Division Multiplexing: four fibers, four 2.5Gbps lasers

data

Transmitter

Receiver

data

Figure 2 (b) Time Division Multiplexing: one fiber, one 10Gbps laser

Transmitter

data 2

Transmitter
Transmitter

data 4

Transmitter

1, 2 , 3 , 4

Mux

data 3

1
2

2
Demux

data 1

Amplifier
4

Receiver

data 1

Receiver

data 2

Receiver

data 3

Receiver

data 4

Figure 2 (c) - Wavelength Division Multiplexing: one fiber, four 2.5Gbps lasers

Where sufficient dark (unused) fiber is available to meet currently foreseeable

needs, the use more fiber approach is straightforward and perhaps the lowest cost
solution. Otherwise, installing new fiber can be a very costly undertaking,
especially when new conduit must be installed, or in densely populated
metropolitan areas. Even in situations where dark fiber is available, it is
sometimes more cost effective to achieve higher utilization of each fiber rather than
lighting up more fiber. This is especially true with longer distance links where
signal amplification (or dispersion compensation) is required, since each fiber
would require a separate amplification (or compensation) device.

The second, or higher bit rate, option requires that the signals be multiplexed
electronically, e.g. by Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), to the new higher bit
rate for transmission. SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) is currently the
most commonly implemented multiplexing standard for high-speed optical signals,
with bit rates which increase stepwise by factors of four: 155Mbps, 622Mbps,
2.5Gbps, and 10Gbps.
An unfortunate drawback of the TDM approach is that it requires a serviceaffecting, all-at-once upgrade to the new higher rate. Network interfaces must be
replaced by units with four times their capacity, whether or not all the capacity is
immediately required. FOREs DWDM approach, by contrast, allows non-service
affecting, incremental capacity upgrades in 2.5Gbps increments from 2.5Gbps to
10 Gbps as demand increases.
Another drawback of the higher bit rate approach is that signal distortions (due to
dispersion and fiber non-linearities) become a limiting factor at much shorter
distances as bit rate increases. Dispersion effects, which lead to smearing of the
signal pulses, are several times greater at 10Gbps than at 2.5Gbps over standard
single mode fiber. Since it is individual channel bit rate which determines the
amount of dispersion, a DWDM link can span a greater distance before electronic
signal regeneration is required than an equal capacity single-channel link.
(Dispersion limits are typically on the order of 1000km at 2.5Gbps compared to
about 200km at 10Gbps with standard single mode fiber.)
A third limitation of the TDM solution is that it constrains the capacity of the fiber
to the speed of the available electronics. The highest transmission rate in
commercially available electronics is 10Gbps, while the capacity of the fiber is
orders of magnitude higher. Electronic components capable of operating at this
speed are costly to construct, operate and maintain. With DWDM, electrical
components continue to operate at the channel bit rate (i.e. 2.5Gbps) while the
multiplexing is done in the optical domain. Current DWDM technology allows 40
or more channels on a single fiber, or over 100Gbps per fiber.

BENEFITS OF DWDM SOLUTION

In summary, the advantages offered by DWDM include the following:

Minimizes fiber usage by converting each fiber into multiple virtual fibers
Extends the non-regenerated distance limit compared to an equal-capacity
single laser solution
Provides greater scalability with incremental, in-service capacity upgrades and
shorter provisioning time. Scalable from a single channel through 40 or more
channels on a single fiber. Additionally, DWDM is the only commercially
available technology currently capable of delivering more than 10Gbps on a
single fiber.
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Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
rev: 99feb03

DWDM systems can be transparent to changes in bit rates and protocols

running over them.

INTEGRATED DWDM FOR THE ASX-4000

The ForeRunner ASX-4000 backbone ATM switch offers a unique integrated
DWDM solution targeted at campus, interoffice and metropolitan networks. The
components of this solution consist of DWDM-capable OC-48c port cards and a
four-channel DWDM multiplexer/demultiplexer. As an integrated system this
package supports dual-fiber (transmit/receive pair) switch interconnects at up to
10Gbps. Figure 3 shows typical DWDM usage.

2 OC-48c
SMLR A

2 OC-48c
SMLR B

WMX-4

10
Gbps!

OC-48c Port Card A at 1559.0 and 1560.6 nm

OC-48c Port Card B at 1555.8 and 1557.4 nm

Figure 3 ASX-4000 + WMX-4 = 10Gbps Fiber Pair Interconnects

DWDM-Capable OC-48c Port Cards

The ASX-4000 DWDM-capable port cards are 2-port OC-48c cards with
wavelength-tuned narrowband Single Mode Long Reach (SMLR) lasers. Two
different versions of the port card are available, each with lasers tuned to two
different fixed wavelengths in the ITU 200GHz channel plan. (Total of four
distinct operating wavelengths: 1555.8nm, 1557.4nm, 1559.0nm, and 1560.6nm.).
The DWDM-capable port cards are compatible with the standard OC-48c port
cards for the ASX-4000 and may be installed in any available slot as a direct
6

replacement for the standard cards. No special configuration is required since the
lasers are factory-tuned to the proper operating wavelengths.
All FORE OC-48c port cards use wideband receiver optics, making it possible to
directly connect DWDM ports of different colors without using the DWDM
multiplexer, or to directly connect DWDM (155X nm) and non-DWDM (1310nm)
ports. This feature allows customers the flexibility to purchase and use DWDMcapable port cards today, with the option of utilizing DWDM in the future.

192.7 THz
(1555.75 nm)

192.3 THz
(1558.98 nm)

192.5 THz
(1557.36 nm)

192.1 THz
(1560.61 nm)

Port card A

Port card B

Figure 4 DWDM-capable OC-48c Port Cards

WMX-4 DWDM Multiplexer

The WMX-4 is a four-wavelength passive optical multiplexer/demultiplexer tuned
to the wavelengths of the ASX-4000 DWDM-capable port cards. The WMX-4
includes four single-color transmit/receive port pairs and one DWDM trunking
port pair. Figure 5 is a front panel view of the WMX-4.

Port 1

Port 2

Port 3

Port 4

Trunk Port

Figure 5 WMX-4 Optical Multiplexer

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Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
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The WMX-4 provides both multiplexing and demultiplexing functions. The

multiplexing module combines the four single-color transmit signals from the
ASX-4000 into a four-color DWDM signal for transmission on the trunking port.
The demultiplexer module splits the DWDM signal received on the trunking port
into its component colors and forwards each to the proper port.
The small size of the WMX-4 (1.75 high) allows it to be mounted directly above
the ASX-4000 in a standard 19 rack (see Figure 6). As a strictly passive optical
device, the WMX-4 offers very high reliability and simple implementation. No
software configuration is required to use the WMX-4. Adding a channel is as
simple as connecting a single mode fiber from the ASX-4000 to the multiplexer at
each end of the link.

Figure 6 Rack Mounted ASX-4000 With WMX-4

APPLICATIONS
Typical applications of the DWDM-capable port cards and WMX-4 multiplexer
include:

Direct ASX-4000 port-to-port interconnects (without WMX-4) at distances up

to 65+km (or 100+km with an optical amplifier)
Point-to-point DWDM switch interconnects at 5-10Gbps over a single fiber
pair
Connection to higher density third-party DWDM equipment, bypassing
wavelength conversion equipment

Extended Distance OC-48c ASX-4000 Interconnection

The ASX-4000 DWDM-capable ports may be connected together directly (without
the WMX-4 mux) to extend the reach for switch-to-switch fiber interconnection.
8

Because optical signals in the 1550nm band suffer less attenuation than signals in
the 1310nm range, this configuration extends the allowable transmission distance
before amplification is required. Typical non-amplified distance is approximately
65+km with DWDM-capable cards, compared to 40km for the standard (nonDWDM) SMLR OC-48c port cards. With an optical amplifier, the distance
between DWDM-capable port cards can be extended to 100km or beyond.
In this configuration, DWDM ports of different colors (or even non-DWDM OC48c ports) can be mixed and matched because FOREs wideband receiver optics
allows each receiver to see lightwaves of any wavelength.

10Gbps ASX-4000 Interconnection Over Single Fiber Pair

The ASX-4000 is a 40Gbps non-blocking ATM switch targeted at enterprise and
service provide backbones. Backbones built around such high capacity switches
typically require a very high speed transmission network. It is not unusual for a
network design to require 10Gbps switch-to-switch connection capacity.
The ASX-4000/WMX-4 package provides a cost-effective 10Gbps switch
interconnection over a single fiber pair. As a passive optical device, the WMX-4
offers very high reliability and requires no management or provisioning effort.
FOREs Capacity Aware Routing ensures that ATM connections will be distributed
over all four wavelengths for maximum link utilization.
FOREs Dynamic Protection Switching provides network-level resiliency capable
of rerouting ATM connections on a 10 millisecond time scale. For maximum
reliability, the ASX-4000 will provide 1+1 hardware protection for all data path
elements and support for SONET Automatic Protection Switching (APS)
compliant with the Bellcore GR-253-CORE specification.

OC-48c

10 Gbps
WMX-4
ASX-4000

WMX-4
ASX-4000

Figure 7 Typical Point-to-Point DWDM Connection

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Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
rev: 99feb03

Reduced Cost Interface to High-End DWDM Systems

Use of ITU channel spacing provides compatibility between the ASX-4000
DWDM-capable port cards and high-end equipment from other DWDM suppliers.
FORE has already demonstrated interoperability between the ASX-4000 port cards
and equipment from other leading DWDM suppliers.
By integrating the precision-tuned narrowband DWDM lasers into the ASX-4000,
the FORE solution avoids the need for wavelength conversion devices typically
required with high-end DWDM systems. Eliminating the wavelength conversion
devices means reducing the number of lasers required on a given DWDM link,
providing a significant savings in the cost of equipment.
Currently available high-end DWDM systems are capable of multiplexing 40 or
more 2.5Gbps signals, for a single fiber capacity of at least 100Gbps. Though
equipment costs increase with the number of channels, these systems are achieving
a per-fiber capacity that is well beyond the range available from SONET
equipment (at any cost) for the foreseeable future.

CONCLUSION
DWDM is available today from several vendors, including FORE Systems, and
offers the ability to scale transmission capacity without downtime, forklift upgrades
or lengthy provisioning times.
Benefits of FOREs integrated ATM/DWDM solution include the following:

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DWDM-capable port cards extend maximum distance for direct ASX-4000

switch interconnection at OC-48c rate (without WMX-4) to 65+km without
amplification, 100+km with amplification
Flexible DWDM port cards may be used with or without WMX-4, and
interoperate with both 1550nm and 1310nm OC-48c port cards
Passive WMX-4 mux provides very high reliability
WMX-4 reduces fiber costs by maximizing fiber utilization (up to 10Gbps per
fiber pair)
Ease of implementation transparent to ASX-4000 signaling and routing
protocols; no need for management or configuration
Allows incremental, in-service capacity upgrades from 2.5Gbps to 10Gbps in
2.5Gbps increments with zero-wait provisioning
Use of standard wavelengths allows interoperability with third-party DWDM
equipment and an upgrade path to higher capacity DWDM systems
Reduced cost when connecting to third-party DWDM muxes by eliminating
the wavelength conversion equipment usually required
Compatible with off-the-shelf optical amplifiers

Copyright 1998 FORE Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. FORE Systems, ForeRunner, PowerHub, ForeThought, ForeView and AVA are
registered trademarks of FORE Systems, Inc. All Roads Lead To ATM, Application Aware, ASN, ATV, CellChain, CellPath, CellStarter,
EdgeRunner, FramePlus, ForeRunnerHE, ForeRunnerLE, Intelligent Infrastructure, I2, MSC, Netpro, Networks of Steel, Network of Steel,
StreamRunner, TACtics Online, TNX, Universal Port, VoicePlus and Zero Hop Routing are trademarks of FORE Systems, Inc. All other
brands or product names are trademarks of their respective holders. Please be advised that technical specifications set forth in this
product literature are correct as of September 1998 and are subject to change by FORE Systems, Inc. at any time without notice.

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