What is a WDM coupler?
- A WDM coupler is a device used in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) that can distribute optical signals from one fiber to two or more fibers or combine signals from two or more fibers into a single fiber.
- A WDM coupler enables multiple data channels to be sent on a single optical fiber by simultaneously transmitting data on different wavelengths or colors of light, and by separating data at the destination and routing them to multiple ports.
The WDM coupler has been a critical piece of technology for WDM for years. But what is a WDM coupler, exactly, and how does it work to increase bandwidth on fiber-optic networks? Here’s a short introduction to “What is a WDM coupler?” that provides an overview.
What is a WDM coupler?
In wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), a WDM coupler is a device that enables multiple data channels to be sent on a single fiber-optic transmission using different wavelengths of light for each channel.
What is a WDM coupler used for?
A WDM coupler combines channels at the start of a transmission and separates data signals at the end of a transmission.
What is a WDM coupler’s greatest benefit?
A WDM coupler helps to efficiently provide the additional bandwidth that WDM technology is designed to deliver.
What is a WDM coupler when it’s a passive device?
A passive WDM coupler is one that requires no power for operation, redistributing an optical signal without optical-to-electrical conversion. Examples of a WDM coupler include a passive optical splitter and multiplexer or de-multiplexer.
What is a WDM coupler when it’s an active device?
An active fiber-optic coupler is one that requires an external power source and a splitter that combines a signal electrically while using fiber-optic detectors and sources for input and output.
What is a WDM coupler type?
WDM couplers are described by shape:
- Y couplers split a signal evenly into two output fibers.
- T couplers split a signal into two fibers, but unevenly — one output signal is greater than the other.
- X couplers combine a splitter and a combiner in a single package.
- Star couplers distribute optical signals from more than two inputs among several output ports.
- Tree couplers split or combine signals from one input fiber to more than two output fibers.
What is a WDM coupler made of?
WDM couplers are made by fusing fibers together.