Introduction to

Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM)

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is a technique, which uses a special property

of fiber-optics. This property allows the combination of multiple signals onto a single
strand of fiber. Each signal is assigned to a different wavelength, of light. Since one
wavelength does not affect another wavelength, the signals do not interfere.

Figure 1: typical application of a 1310/1550-nm WDM

Coarse WDMs perform two functions. First, they filter the light, ensuring only the desired
wavelengths are used. Second, they multiplex or demultiplex multiple wavelengths,
which are used on a single fiber link (see Figures 2a & 2b). The difference lies in the
wavelengths, which are used. In CWDM space, the 1310-band and the 1550-band are
divided into smaller bands, each only 20-nm wide. In the multiplex operation, the
multiple wavelength bands are combined (i.e. muxed) onto a single fiber. In a
demultiplex operation, the multiple wavelength bands are separated (i.e. demuxed) from
a single fiber. The used wavelengths are defined by the International
Telecommunications Union; reference ITU G.694.2 for the ITU CWDM Wavelength
Grid. Note: as of June 2002, eighteen center wavelengths, from 1270 nm to 1610 nm,
were listed.

Upgrade
From other Upgrade To other
modules modules
####
1st Add #### 1st Drop
Wavelength Wavelength
####
2nd Add #### 2nd Drop
Wavelength Wavelength
####
3rd Add
#### 3rd Drop
Wavelength Wavelength
####
####
4th Add 4th Drop
Wavelength Wavelength
Common
Common
To fiber link or From fiber link or
other modules other modules

Figure 2: (a) Using Mulitplexer (Mux) and (b) using a Demultiplexer (Demux)

In a hybrid configuration (mux/demux), multiple transmit and receive signals can be

combined onto a single fiber. Each signal is assigned a different wavelength. At each
end, transmit signals are muxed, while receive signals are demuxed. For example, in a
simple full-duplex link, the transmit is assigned the 1530-nm wavelength, while the

©2003 Fiberdyne Labs, Inc. www.fiberdyne.com PS3024, Rev A, Page 1 of 3

Introduction to
Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM)

receive signal is assigned the 1550-nm wavelength.

Additionally, individual signals can be delivered at points along a link. A receive signal is
demuxed (i.e. dropped) from the link, and a new transmit signal is muxed (i.e. added)
onto the link. This application is called an Add/Drop module (see Figure 3).
From To
Fiber Link Fiber Link

DROP ADD
IN #### #### OUT

Dropped Added
Wavelength Wavelength

RX TX

Network
Equipment

Figure 3: Using an Add/Drop CWDM Module

Generally, a CWDM network takes two forms. A point-to-point system connects two
locations, muxing and demuxing multiple signals on a single fiber (see Figure 4). A loop
or multi-point system connects multiple locations, typically using Add/Drop modules
(see Figure 5).

Network Network
Equipment Equipment

Network Network
Equipment Fiberdyne Fiberdyne Equipment
CWDM CWDM
Mux/Demux Mux/Demux
Network Module Module Network
Equipment Equipment

Network Network
Equipment Equipment

Figure 4: Point-to-point Multiplexer Network

©2003 Fiberdyne Labs, Inc. www.fiberdyne.com PS3024, Rev A, Page 2 of 3

Introduction to
Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM)

Network
Equipment

Fiberdyne
Add/Drop
Module

Fiberdyne Fiberdyne
Network Network
Add/Drop Add/Drop
Equipment Equipment
Module Module

Fiberdyne
Add/Drop
Module

Network
Equipment

Figure 5: Add/Drop Loop Multiplexer Network

Using Fiberdyne equipment, you can use two implementations. In one approach (see
Figure 6), Fiberdyne CWDM GBICs (Gigabit Interface Converters) are added to existing
Ethernet switch equipment. The GBIC outputs feed Fiberdyne, CWDM modules. The
other approach (see Figure 7) adds the Fiberdyne 3001 CWDM Optical Multiplexer
System to the existing outputs of existing Ethernet switch equipment.
Two (2) CWDM
Fiberdyne wavelengths Fiberdyne
Ethernet over one (1) SMF Ethernet
CWDM CWDM CWDM CWDM
Equipment Equipment
GBIC Module Module GBIC (e.g. Switch)
(e.g. Switch)
Alpha - Alpha - - Omega - Omega

Figure 6: Multiplexing with Fiberdyne CWDM GBICs and CWDM Modules

850 nm Four (4) CWDM 850 nm
over MMF wavelengths over MMF
Ethernet Ethernet
over one (1) SMF
Equipment Equipment
(e.g. Switch) Fiberdyne Fiberdyne (e.g. Switch)
Optical CWDM Optical CWDM
1310 nm Mux System Mux System 850 nm
over SMF - Alpha - - Omega - over MMF
Ethernet Ethernet
Equipment Equipment
(e.g. Switch) (e.g. Switch)

Figure 7: Multiplexing with Fiberdyne 3001 CWDM Optical Mux System Modules

©2003 Fiberdyne Labs, Inc. www.fiberdyne.com PS3024, Rev A, Page 3 of 3