- Expect high span losses and multiple fiber spans in long-haul DWDM networks.
- To compensate, you’ll need multiple cascaded amplifiers along the path.
- EDFA amplifiers are commonly used, but they introduce ASE (Amplified Spontaneous Emission).
- ASE is a form of noise that degrades the OSNR (Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio).
- So while EDFAs boost signal strength and extend reach, they also inject noise into the system.
- After several ILAs (In-Line Amplifiers), the OSNR degradation may require gain equalization and regeneration stages.
- Raman amplification can also be used to improve overall system performance.
- Managing gain tilt and power flatness is essential to maintaining signal quality.
In the next post, we’ll explore Gain Equalizers (GEQs) and how they help correct gain tilt and power unflatness.
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