CWDM optical module adopts CWDM technology, which can combine optical signals with different wavelengths through an external wavelength division multiplexer. It saves fiber resources by transmitting through one optical fiber. At the same time, the receiving end needs to use the wave-demultiplexer to decompose the complex optical signal. In addition, CWDM optical modules can be plugged into switch or router SFP ports. This article will describe in detail what CWDM optical modules are and what are the differences between CWDM optical modules and other modules.
The Main Form Factors and Type of CWDM Optical Modules
There are three types of CWDM optical module form factors: SFP, SFP + and XFP. The transmission distance is generally as follows: 40KM, 80KM, 100KM, and 120KM.
CWDM optical modules can be divided into: CWDM SFP optical module, CWDM GBIC optical module, CWDM SFP + optical module, CWDM XFP optical module, CWDM X2 optical module, CWDMXENPAK optical module and CWDM LX-4 optical module.
The Differences between CWDM Optical Modules and Ordinary Optical Modules
CWDM optical modules are passive modules that do not emit laser. They generally use optical planar waveguide (PLC) technology; just a beam of light is divided into several beams of light. The ordinary optical modules belong to the photoelectric conversion device, which are active optical modules. Each module has two ports for receiving and transmitting, and the launch port inside is a laser.
CWDM Optical Modules VS DWDM Optical Modules: Which One to Choose?
The principle of DWDM optical modules is similar to CWDM optical modules, except that DWDM optical module are optical modules for dense wavelength division multiplexing, and has 40 common channels to choose from.
CWDM optical modules are widely used in schools, data centers, FTTH (Fiber to the Home), 1G and 2G Fiber Channel, metro Ethernet, security and protection systems and other fields.
DWDM optical modules are mainly used in long-distance optical synchronous digital transmission networks, such as Ethernet / Fiber Channel with 200km links and 80km links.
From a cost point of view, CWDM optical modules are cheaper than DWDM optical modules. CWDM optical modules provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for using Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Channel.
DWDM optical modules, on the other hand, typically use denser channel spacing and are used for large optical networks over longer distances. If you want long-distance SFP modules, DWDM optical modules are the ideal choice.
The Differences between CWDM4 and PSM4
CWDM4 optical module transmission rate is 103.1Gbp, mainly used in computing, high frequency trading and other fields. Its cost is significantly higher than QSFP28 PSM4.
1. The optical transmitter: PSM4 needs four integrated silicon photonic modulator and a distributed feedback laser, and CWDM4 needs four CWDM direct modulation laser;
2. The connector: PSM4 needs a MPO connector with 8 fibers, CWDM4 needs duplex LC connector;
3. The optical fiber: PSM4 is a ribbon SMF (8 core), CWDM4 is a duplex SMF;
4. The transmission distance: PSM4 is 500 meters, CWDM4 is 2000 meters
5. The four wavelength of CWDM multiplexer: PSM4 does not need, but CWDM4 needs.
In Conclusion
CWDM optical modules are multi-rate optical modules with 20-40km, 40-80km and 80-120km transmission distances. The optical modules of different wavelengths are marked with different colors to better meet customer requirements.
