DWDM Performance and Conformance Testing

Primer

A Typical Optical Network

Signals in the core ring pass from one DWDM link to the next core ring.

To understand optical networks in greater depth, examine the structure

Within each DWDM link, specific SONET or SDH colors or channels can

of the typical optical network in Figure 1. The network elements shown

be routed to metro or access network tributaries, or to other core rings.

on this topology map are all representative. Actual networks may contain

In the past, DWDM elements were not used in the network SDH/SONET

all or only some of these network elements, and certain other common

electro-optical add/drop multiplexers (ADMs) were used to move

network elements are not represented here for simplicitys sake.

tributaries off of or onto the core. Today, the tributary channels can be

Two key structures comprise the network:

routed to a DWDM link or an ADM. The lightwave-based channel is

converted into an electrical signal, then back into component SONET,

The core network, made up of a high-speed IP backbone or telephony

SDH, DSn (e.g., T ) or PDH (e.g., E ) signals. These signals are then
1

switching network handling voice traffic (typically at 2.5 to 10 Gbit/s)

A local or metropolitan network splitting off from the core through a WDM
element (typically at 155 to 622 Mbit/s)

routed to tributaries at different locations. Within the ADM, the signal

is decomposed further into different channels at lower, standard ANSI
or ETSI data rates such as T , E , DS , E , etc.
1

In this illustration, the high-speed core network is configured as interconnected rings that make up a complete telecommunications network.

Core Network

DWD

DWD

DWD

DWD

ADM

ADM

Metro/Access Network

MUX

DCS

MUX

MUX

DCS

MUX

Figure 1. A simplified optical network with a ring architecture.

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DWDM Performance and Conformance Testing

Primer

Structure of a Typical DWDM Link

signal is broken into its individual channels and parsed out to each

To investigate the complexity of a optical network more closely, lets

receiving element.

examine the structure of a typical point-to-point DWDM link deployed

Two general categories of opticals networks are available: Open (stand-

in todays networks (Figure 2).

alone) systems and integrated (terminal) systems. Open systems are

On the left are the various channels Tx1, Tx2, etc. Each DWDM link

characterized by their ability to accept and transport a variety of incoming

may contain as many as 128 transmitters per channel (with more possi-

signals with a range of formats and characteristics. This is achieved by

ble in the future). The signal from each channel is directed into the

providing signal conversion and wavelength adaptation using, for example,

wavelength multiplexer, to be combined and sent onto the optical path,

a transponder or a remodulator function. In this way, non-compliant sig-

through the optical amplifier, and then on to a demultiplexer. There, the

nals can be adapted and transported by the WDM layer (see Figure 3).

Rx1

Tx1

Tx2

O/E/O
1

Tx3
MUX

O/E/O
n

MUX

DEMUX

OA

Rx2
Rx3
MUX

Figure 2. Overview of a DWDM link.

SDH,
SONET,
ATM,
IP,
other

Optical Supervisory Channel (OSC)

O/E/O
1

G.692 i/f

MUX

OA

O/E/O
n
G.957 i/f
sync

STM-16
MUX

WDM System
(Optical Transport Network)
SDH Core Network

DEMUX

STM-16
optical
n
STM-16
DEMUX

sync

SDH Access Network

(plus SDH tribs, PDH legacy)
STM-1/-1e, 140/34/2 Mbit/s

Figure 3. Generic open WDM system architecture.

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STM-1/-1e, 140/34/2 Mbit/s

DWDM Performance and Conformance Testing

Primer

Integrated systems are more closely integrated within a parent

In an integrated system, the manufacturer can optimize its own

SONET/SDH system. The SONET/SDH system transmitters themselves

transmitters and, thus, doesnt have to use the intermediate step of

provide the required signal format (i.e., colored light ready for wave-

wavelength shifting.

length multiplexing). (See Figure 4.)

Open WDM systems are generally seen as more flexible able to

Network operators will typically select the architecture suitable for their

transport legacy PDH as well as SDH and other signals at a variety of

purposes by considering their particular economics, installed equipment

bit-rates and optical power levels. On the other hand, there is a risk

base, desired network evolution, and services to be offered. Depending

of increased cost due to the additional equipment and management

upon whether the system being implemented will be open or integrated,

functionality.

different optical-signal treatments will be necessary.

Integrated WDM systems are sometimes positioned as the more suitable

In an open system, equipment providers want their DWDM links to work

solution for the longer term. Client signals can be directly adapted to

with any manufacturers SONET/SDH network. They use open-system

the WDM/physical layer whether the client terminal equipment is an

transponders or wavelength adapters that handle wavelength shifting

SDH admux or an IP router.

or adaptation to given channels on the ITU-T grid (see Appendix C).

Regardless of the optical network architecture employed, rigorous

Taking the channel through the O/E/O conversion allows it to be shifted

testing is required for accurate characterization of components and

to a specific channel within this grid.

conformance with standards.

SDH,
SONET,
ATM,
IP,
other
1
G.692 i/f

Optical Supervisory Channel (OSC)

MUX

OA

sync

STM-16
MUX

DEMUX

STM-16
optical
n

WDM System
(Optical Transport Network)
SDH Core Network

STM-16
DEMUX

sync

SDH Access Network

(plus SDH tribs, PDH legacy)
STM-1/-1e, 140/34/2 Mbit/s

STM-1/-1e, 140/34/2 Mbit/s

Figure 4. Generic integrated WDM system architecture.

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