Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is a commonly used technology in optical communications. It combines multiple wavelengths to transmit signals on a single fiber. To implement this process, CWDM multiplexers/demultiplexers and DWDM multiplexers/demultiplexers are essential parts. As we all know, there are several different ports on WDM multiplexers and multiplexers. This article will give a clear explanation of these ports and their application in WDM networks.

line port

Line ports, sometimes called common ports, are one of the must-have ports on CWDM and DWDM Mux/Demux. External fibers connect to the Mux/Demux unit through this port and are usually labeled Tx and Rx. All WDM channels are multiplexed and demultiplexed through this port.

channel port

Like line ports, channel ports are another must-have port. They send and receive signals on specific WDM wavelengths. The CWDM multiplexer/multiplexer supports up to 18 channels from 1270nm to 1610nm with 20nm channel space. Whereas DWDM Mux/Demux uses wavelengths from 1470nm to 1625nm, typically with a channel space of 0.8nm (100GHz) or 0.4nm (50GHz). Services or circuits can be added to the Mux/Demux unit in any order.

monitor port

Monitor ports on CWDM and DWDM multiplexers/multiplexers provide a way to test signal dB levels without service interruption, enabling users to monitor and troubleshoot networks. If the Mux/Demux is a single fiber unit, the monitor port should also be a simplex port and vice versa.

expansion port

Expansion ports on the WDM Mux/Demux are used to add or extend more wavelengths or channels to the network. By using this port, the network administrator can easily increase the network capacity by connecting the expansion port with the line port of another Mux/Demux that supports different wavelengths. However, not every WDM multiplexer/multiplexer has an expansion port.

1310nm and 1550nm ports

1310nm and 1550nm are one of the WDM wavelengths. Many optical transceivers, especially CWDM and DWDM SFP/SFP+ transceivers, support long-distance transmission over both wavelengths. By connecting optical transceivers of the same wavelength, these two ports can be used to add 1310nm or 1550nm wavelengths to an existing WDM network.

Different ports on CWDM and DWDM multiplexers/multiplexers have different functions. Learn more about its capabilities to aid in WDM network deployment. FiberWDM offers various types of CWDM and DWDM multiplexers/multiplexers to suit your preferences. Customer service is also provided. If you have any needs, welcome to contact us (sales@fiberwdm.com).