Nortel Networks AA1419005 Introduction, CWDM GBIC description, About the optical routing system

Introduction

This section describes how the Nortel Networks* coarse wavelength division multiplexed Gigabit Interface Converter (CWDM GBIC) works within the optical routing system. It also provides a list of CWDM GBICs by wavelength and shows how they are labeled and color-coded.

CWDM GBIC description

CWDM GBICs are transceivers that link Gigabit Ethernet ports with fiber optic networks. WDM technology consolidates multiple optical channels, using specific wavelengths to expand available bandwidth, on a common optical fiber.

About the optical routing system

CWDM GBICs (Figure 1) are a component in the optical routing system designed to support high speed data communication for Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). The system uses a grid of eight CWDM optical wavelengths in both ring and point-to-point configurations. All components are color-coded by wavelength (Table 1 on page 7). The optical routing system also includes the following:

•Optical multiplexer-demultiplexer (CWDM OMUX)

•Optical add/drop multiplexer (CWDM OADM)

For more information about the optical routing system, and connecting CWDM GBICs to CWDM OMUXs and CWDM OADMs, see Installation and Networking Guidelines for Optical Routing, part number 212257-A.

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