Overcoming the challenges of testing DWDM channels

With the evolution of the technologies deployed in the field over past years (e.g., Remote-PHY, 5G, C-RAN, Remote-OLT, 10G to the business), distribution networks are being put under a lot of stress.

To increase the efficiency and the density of data, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has always been the most optimal solution. It started with CWDM and 18 channels, but now DWDM is more common in the industry.

The 100 GHz version that is deployed provides the capability of 44 channels of 10 Gbit/s (25/50 Gbit/s soon). In some cases, this is over a terabit travelling per second through one fiber strand in the distribution/access network.

Under such circumstances, we cannot simply plug and pray, hoping for the best. We need to make sure that every connector, splice, MUX, DEMUX are tested using the appropriate wavelengths and correct colored transceiver TX is received at the proper level on the RX side.

When a DWDM is half full it is hard to troubleshoot with legacy test equipment and obviously we cannot disconnect other customers to troubleshoot one service. This is why inline DWDM OTDR/iOLM channel testing is required.

In this educational webinar, we will explore the challenges inline DWDM channel testing. We will examine a testing solution that leverages best practices for optimal results.

Key takeaways:

• Knowing the challenges of deploying DWDM technology in distribution/access/FTTN
• Understanding the testing capabilities required
• Seeing a test solution at work (namely the Optical Wave Expert)