In The Core

ROADM Brought to Light

Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexing (ROADM).

ROADM systems provide the ability to change network optical design through remote provisioning. Rather than utilizing passive optical filters and hardwired pathways, active optical and electronic technologies are used to control the light paths.

This flexibility enables an agile optical network; but many of the current ROADM products are expanding their scope of functionality even further. New “multi-degree” (multiple-ring) ROADMs allow the interconnection of circuits/wavelengths across multiple rings. Others are adding traditional grooming capability (typically STS-1 level) pushing the platform closer to the unified optical node concept.

These truly configurable systems provide many advantages to the service provider. First, changes to the network wavelength plan can be accomplished quickly, often “in-service” or with minimal disruption to traffic. Additionally, changes can be directed from a single management location – truck rolls to remote network nodes are not required. This alone can significantly lower operational expenses. Finally, advanced wavelength management features ensure that existing traffic is not affected by the addition or removal of other channels. Current ROADM technology is finally realizing the dream of a truly configurable optical network.

Every situation is unique so there are few hard-and-fast rules for when to implement ROADM functionality in your network. We encourage you to do the analysis thoroughly and determine the right choice for your organization.

This month’s webinar covers ROADM – Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexing. The presentation will cover the fundamentals, key considerations and ROI factors of ROADM. Please join us to explore these fascinating and important topics and to learn what ROADM can do for your network. Please join us Friday, June 16th, 2006 at 1:30PM EST to explore another chapter in LightRiver’s continuing effort to provide valuable technology and market information to our clients.

LightRiver Technologies – The Optical Networking Authority.