Axiom DWDM Tunables
Optical transceivers are increasingly efficient at moving data between network switches, particularly when utilizing WDM (Wavelength-Division Multiplexing) technology. WDM enables transceivers to send multiple light signals through different channels, carrying a greater amount of data per fiber for improved network performance.
In WDM, a multiplexer (Mux) combines multiple data signals into a unified signal that is transmitted across the fiber. On the opposite end of the fiber, a demultiplexer (Demux) is used to convert the received unified signal back to the original signals. WDM increases the capacity per fiber, increases total bandwidth, and reduces the fiber needed in a network.
DWDM benefits
DWDM (Dense-Wavelength Division Multiplexing) is a type of WDM that involves a denser range of the electromagnetic spectrum. DWDM covers the C-Band frequency, offering channels spaced in increments of 0.4nm (50GHz) or 0.8nm (100GHz) within the 1530nm-1565nm range. Utilizing a denser range of the spectrum, DWDM offers significantly more channels than other types of WDM such as CWDM (Coarse-Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology.
The tighter spacing on DWDM also means that it can transfer data over longer distances compared to CWDM, especially when DWDM networks are amplified using EDFA (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier). This makes DWDM ideal for long-distance telecom applications, data center services, and ISP services.
Fixed-wavelength transceivers
While DWDM opens up a window of opportunities to enhance network performance, the de facto type of DWDM transceiver used in a typical deployment are fixed-wavelength transceivers. Fixed-wavelength transceivers emit at a specific wavelength, i.e. 1530nm, which means network operators must pair the transceiver with another transceiver that also operates at 1530nm on the opposite end of the fiber.
Limitations
The main limitation of a fixed-wavelength transceiver is the lack of flexibility. Fixed-wavelength transceivers operating at different channels cannot be tuned to matching wavelengths. DWDM can involve 96 channels or more, which means network operators will need to stock spare counterpart transceivers that operate on the same exact wavelengths with the same SKU/part number. This increases the costs for stocking contingencies and adds excess inventory.
Why Tunables?
Tunable transceivers resolve this issue, however, with the ability to be tuned to any channels across the DWDM light spectrum.
With tunable SFP transceivers, network operators are able to tune wavelengths to pair transceivers. Easily swap out a defective transceiver with a wavelength-flexible transceiver and simply adjust the new transceiver to the matching wavelength. Eliminate the need for multiple SKUs/part numbers. Tunables simplify network management and reduce overall inventory and costs. Streamline your inventory on a one-size-fits-all scheme with a single part number required to cover the full C-Band.
Benefits
• Increases bandwidth
• Reduces number of fibers
• Reduces inventory
• Easy to Install
Simplify network configuration with Axiom’s Coding/Tuning Box
Carrying excess inventory and heavy tuning equipment can be a major inconvenience. The Axiom Tuning/Coding Box is a simple, user-friendly solution that enables the real-time coding and channel tuning of tunable DWDM transceivers. The Tuning/Coding Box minimizes the necessity of stocking excess spares and offers greater portability with its compact sizing.
The tuning/coding solution supports OEM compatible SFP, SFP+, XFP, QSFP+ and QSFP28 transceivers with three SFP, XFP, QSFP-based transceiver tuning slots for each form factor. AXCoderTM, Axiom’s user-friendly cloud coding platform, enables users to easily configure transceiver compatibilities and access/monitor/record both system diagnostics and traceability. Configure DWDM tunable transceivers and make on-the-fly adjustments with the ultra-fast tuning capabilities of the Axiom Connectivity Coding Box paired with AXCoderTM.
Axiom
If your business is looking to maximize network bandwidth while reducing fiber costs, backup inventory as well as network complexity, Axiom tunables are an excellent choice.
Axiom tunable transceivers address the limitations of fixed-wavelength transceivers as well as the cost concerns of additional fiber procurement. Axiom tunables deliver ultra-fast rates at long distances (up to 80km) while simplifying inventory management, making them the ideal solution for high-performance modern networks.
To learn more about our full tunables lineup and our coding/tuning box, please contact our team for more details.
E-mail: sales@axiomupgrades.com
Phone: 888-658-3326