As for fixed or tunable wavelength, DWDM transceiver can be divided into fixed wavelength DWDM transceiver and tunable DWDM transceiver. Fixed wavelength DWDM transceiver can only transmit a certain number of wavelength, usually at 1310nm and 1550nm for 10G data transmission applications. The tunable DWDM transceiver, however, enables flexible selection of working wavelength or channel. Typically these tunable DWDM optics are for the C-Band 50GHz. Around 88 different channels can be set with intervals of 0.4nm. Tunable transceivers are typically used as “spare-optics” in case of emergency.
So why tunable DWDM transceivers are needed? As the technology develops, hundreds of different wavelengths in DWDM 50GHz have been adopted, a large quantity of backup DWDM optical modules are needed for additional protection. And tunable DWDM transceiver modules are the choices. Besides, it is common to stock fixed wavelength DWDM transceivers at hand in case of emergency such as network downtime, but we can’t predict which specific channel is needed. Tunable DWDM transceivers enable flexible wavelength assignment based on your demand while saving fiber optics resources.
The Current Status and Applications of DWDM Tunable Transceivers
The rapid growth of network traffic has led to the evolution and upgrading of the data center, thus bringing great opportunities for the optical transceiver industry. As the core component in long-haul and high-capacity optical network, DWDM transceivers are also developing with new ideas, new technologies such as simplified packaging, smaller size, higher speed and lower power consumption. DWDM transceiver is widely applied in telecommunications and cable companies and is an integral part of their core networks. Or any organizations running densely populated data centers, particularly hyperscale cloud service providers for their infrastructures or colocation providers for their densely multi-tenanted spaces.
The 5G front-haul network promotes the demand for DWDM optical modules. The explosion of data traffic and accelerated deployment of 5G and Internet of Things will further fuels the deployment of high-speed WDM optical modules, and the demand for DWDM modules in long-haul transmission is huge.
The rise of the data market also drives the demand for high-speed DWDM transceiver modules. The platform using cloud technology such as AI, video, online games and other technologies will continue to drive the demand for DCI. And in the flow between very large data centers needs DWDM transceiver to maximize efficiency and handle the huge computing needs of enterprises.
Summary
No matter how fast the Internet technology grows and how advanced the technology will be in the future, optical transceivers will continue to be a indispensable part for optical transmission system. Where there is a need, there is a market. DWDM transceivers have been widely adopted during the past years, which will continue to get upgraded and developed in the following years. Although the market share for DWDM tunable transceiver is not big enough, we can still see huge potential from its application. To tune or not to tune, that’s a question depends on yourself.
HTF has DWDM tunable SFP, Welcome to contact and discuss. Ivy from HTF can help you design the suitable DWDM solution, even >100km transmission.
