What is dense wavelength division multiplexing?
- Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) is a fiber-optic technology that increases the bandwidth capacity of fiber cable.
- Dense wavelength division multiplexing combines data from different sources on a single optical fiber by carrying each signal on a separate wavelength of light.
- With dense wavelength division multiplexing, up to 80 data channels can be multiplexed into a single optical fiber. Each channel can carry 2.5 Gbps, enabling bandwidth of 200 billion bits per second on one fiber cable.
Dense wavelength division multiplexing has been a part of fiber optics for more than 20 years. Yet for many, the definition and benefits of this essential technology are a bit vague. What is dense wavelength division multiplexing, exactly, and what advantages does it offer an organization? Here’s a brief introduction to “What is dense wavelength division multiplexing?” that answers these questions and others.
What is dense wavelength division multiplexing?
Dense wavelength division multiplexing is a technology used with fiber-optic cable to combine and transmit multiple data streams simultaneously on the same fiber cable.
What is dense wavelength division multiplexing designed to do?
Dense wavelength division multiplexing takes advantage of fiber optic’s use of light to transmit data. Because photons in a pulse of light do not interact with each other as they traverse a fiber-optic cable, it’s possible to encode a single signal with data at multiple wavelengths.
What is dense wavelength division multiplexing’s biggest benefit?
The most significant advantage of dense wavelength division multiplexing is that it dramatically increases the bandwidth of a single fiber cable. With up to 80 potential wavelengths carrying data at 2.5 Gbps, one fiber-optic cable can theoretically carry 200 billion bits per second.
What is dense wavelength division multiplexing’s cost to the enterprise?
Dense wavelength division multiplexing significantly drives down the cost per bit of transporting data. Fiber-optic cables can carry multiple terabits of data per second over thousands of miles at cost points that are significantly lower than previous data transportation costs.
What is dense wavelength division multiplexing’s potential scalability?
Dense wavelength division multiplexing offers nearly unlimited scalability for fiber-optic networks.
What is dense wavelength division multiplexing vs. CWDM?
Course wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) is another form of multiplexing, but that offers fewer channels per cable than DWDM.
What is dense wavelength division multiplexing with Spectrum Enterprise?
As a leading provider of fiber solutions for America’s businesses, Spectrum Enterprise provides dense wavelength division multiplexing services in our Wavelength solution. Wavelength is a lit Layer 1 service using DWD technology to provide customers with multilocation networking and a dedicated, point-to-point circuit to connect locations that are geographically diverse. Wavelength services provide high bandwidth at an affordable cost while minimizing capital expenses.