Overview
Extend fiber network distances and convert wavelengths
Operators of Telecom and Cable MSO networks are facing challenges of distance limitations and bandwidth capacity as fiber networks evolve to provide more services to more customers.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology is commonly used in today’s optical network. WDM increases fiber capacity by assigning each service (10G Fiber Channel, etc) an independent dedicated wavelength—which then is multiplexed into one fiber strand. Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) systems are deployed on Optical Transport Networks (OTN) and other high-capacity fiber networks, but can require expensive optical amplifiers to reach long distances.
Gigabit, SONET and other legacy networks can require longer distances, and network operators need reliable and cost-effective solutions to avoid expensive forklift equipment upgrades.
The Optical-Electrical-Optical transponder (O-E-O) works as a re-generator which converts an optical input signal into electrical form, then generates a logical copy of an input signal and uses this signal to drive a transmitter to generate an optical signal at the new wavelength. The O-E-O Transponder automatically receives, amplifies, and then re-transmits a signal on a different wavelength without altering the data/signal content. Clients can be electrical or optical (1310 or 1550 nm), co-located or some distance away. Line side interfaces can be fiber, CWDM or DWDM with a variety of distances supported.
Products
Fiber Conversion and Amplification Products
iConverter® Transponders and Fiber-to-Fiber Media Converters
iConverter protocol-transparent transponders and fiber-to-fiber media converters support data rates up to 11.32Gbps, and improve the capabilities of existing fiber infrastructure by providing multiple functions in a single network device.
- Optical amplification and distance extension
- Standard wavelength to WDM wavelength conversion
- Multimode to single-mode conversion
- Dual fiber to single-fiber conversion.
All Omnitron Systems fiber media converters are backed with a lifetime warranty and free 24/7 technical support.
10G OTN Network Application
Extending 10G OTN DWDM Network Distances
This application diagram shows how to extend Optical Transport Network (OTN) fiber network distances using transponders and 10G DWDM tunable transceivers.
Tunable XFP transceivers are configurable to support a specific channel in a DWDM optical network. Tunable XFPs allow network operators to remotely change wavelengths (channel paths) when they need to redistribute bandwidth, or reconfigure/upgrade traffic patterns and services. The iConverter XG+ transponder can configure tunable DWDM transceivers with a management system that supports the configuration of these tunable XFPs.
In this application diagram, three 10G DWDM connections across an OTN network (this diagram is simplified for clarity, and dozens of DWDM connections are typically deployed). Three iConverter XG+ modules with high-power XFPs are installed in a 5-Module Chassis and connected with fiber patch cables to DWDM Multiplexer. A high-density 19-Module Chassis can also be used. The iConverter XG+ modules function as fiber repeaters and wavelength transponders. The high-power XFPs perform Forward Error Correction on the incoming signal, then amplify and re-encapsulate the outbound OTN signal.
Tunable DWDM Transponders provide cost-effective amplification of DWDM wavelengths
Gigabit or SONET Ring Application
Extending Gigabit or SONET Ring Network Distances
When fiber rings must extend beyond the standard 1310nm wavelength capability, a longer wavelength with increased optical power can stretch Ethernet and SONET ring distances.
The iConverter xFF fiber-to-fiber media converter and transponder is an inexpensive and reliable solution, especially when compared to upgrading SONET node equipment and Ethernet routers. Small Form Pluggable transceivers provide wavelength conversion from 1310nm to 1550nm, and amplify the optical power to span the distance in longer ring segments. The iConverter xFF is protocol-independent and supports Ethernet, OC-3/12/48, SDH-1/4/16 and Fibre Channel with data rates from 1Mbps to 8.50Gbps.
Omnitron fiber-to-fiber media converters, transponders and fiber repeaters provide multimode to single-mode, dual to single-fiber, and wavelength conversion. Fiber-to-fiber media converters that support SFPs also provide conversion from standard wavelengths (850nm, 1310nm and 1550nm) to CWDM wavelengths that enable connecting legacy fiber equipment to iConverter CWDM Multiplexers.
>> Related Content – CWDM Case Study: Adding Gigabit Ethernet to SONET Rings
