The two primary types of WDM technologies are Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing. The truth is that technicians have to rely on the networking and consumer requirements to pick the right option. Both CWDM and DWDM are considered excellent approaches to ensure the higher bandwidth capacity and meet the increasing demand. We`ll discuss which solution you should use in a given environment in the article.
CWDM fiber at the glance
Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology can support eight wavelengths per single fiber. Such a system is elaborated for short-range applications by involving a wide range of frequencies, with the spread of wavelengths of 20 nm. CWDM systems are usually deployed on 80km or fewer fiber spans since most optical amplifiers can not be utilized with extended spacing channels.
Compared with DWDM solutions, CWDM ensures lower link capacity (less than 10G) and shorter distances. However, they are less expensive than their nearest counterparts. Additionally, CWDM mux\demux go for Multiplexer & DeMultiplexer intended for multi-wavelength CWDM networking uses. Furthermore, the CWDM mux demux system is established on Thin Film Filter Technology.
What is DWDM fiber?
In contrast, Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology can carry up to 160 wavelengths on a single fiber. Unlike CWDM systems with their 20nm channel spacing, DWDM technologies incorporate a diversity of channel spacing between 12.5 GHz and 200 GHz.
Besides, the deployment of such systems is standard for communication technologies with a transmission distance of up to 120 km. As more wavelengths can be consolidated in the same single fiber in DWDM systems, they can transfer larger volumes of data through one thread. Apart from that, Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing stands for better bandwidth and density and a precise temperature controlling function for lasers.
How to select the best option?
When we compare CWDM vs. DWDM, CWDM appears as a more affordable technology designed to expand the fiber network`s capacity. If your system doesn`t require long-distance (under 80 km) covering and you seek a compact fiber solution, see no further than Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing. Technicians can leverage this technology in various short-range applications, especially in enterprise and telecommunication networks. Moreover, you can`t go wrong with deploying CWDM technology in places where a limited number of channels is necessary.
On the other hand, it would be better to implement Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing in networking systems that need better channel capacity and higher speed. For infrastructures that require amplifiers for data transmission over extended distances, DWDM is the way to go.
These systems are considered expensive hardware, although it is more affordable technology than installing new fibers. Technicians can successfully implement DWDM solutions into data center interconnection, not to mention fiber networking in metropolitans and other locations. Since this option ensures better operational capability, you can also utilize it as a reliable hardware platform.