Network Operations And Wavelength Division Multiplexing

Abstract

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) techrlology is being considered for emerging telecommunications and data networks, with the first likely deployment in interoffice applications. WDM allows several overlay networks on one physical network, and offers the ability to increase the network capacity and flexibility without additional investment in fiber optic infrastnrcture. Advances such as optical amplifiers and WDM crossconnects enable network implementations in a scalable and modular manner. Although WDM may offer advantages from a physical transmission and switching perspective, it becomes increasingly clear that methods for operations and management of WDM networks need to be defined. The fact that WDM networks can support a large variety of signal formats transparently through network nodes poses serious concerns about the ability to manage, controt and operate these networks. Timely commercialization of WDM networks requires a criiical assessment of how new WDM technologies and architectures might affect network operations and how network operations might influence the design of the WDM components.