Configurations and Functions of the OADM
An OADM generally consists of three parts: an optical demultiplexer, an optical multiplexer, a method of reconfiguring the paths between the optical demultiplexer and the optical multiplexer, as well as a set of ports for adding and dropping signals. The multiplexer is used to couple two or more wavelengths into the same fiber. Then the reconfiguration can be achieved by a fiber patch panel or by optical switches that direct the wavelengths to the optical multiplexer or to drop ports. The demultiplexer separates the multiple of wavelengths in a fiber and directs them to many fibers.
Configurations of OADM
There are two basic configurations of an OADM: using dielectric thin-film filter (TFF) and fiber bragg grating (FBG). For OADM configuration with TFF, an arbitrary signal wavelength is branched/dropped from wavelength-multiplexed signals via a narrow band-pass filter (BPF), whereby only the desired signal wavelength being transmitted while others reflected. Meanwhile, an arbitrary signal wavelength can be inserted/added into wavelength-multiplexed signals via a narrow BPF, whereby the desired signal wavelength being transmitted is combined with the reflected signal wavelengths.
While configuring an OADM with FBG, the wavelength-multiplexed signals enter an FBG through a circulator, where only one arbitrary signal wavelength is reflected while others are transmitted. The reflected signal wavelength is branched/dropped into a port other than that where the wavelength-multiplexed signals enter. In the case of wavelength multiplexing an arbitrary signal wavelength, the signal wavelength incident on the circulator is reflected by the FBG, and is inserted/added into the wavelength-multiplexed signals that are transmitted via the circulator.
Main Functions of OADM
As the name indicates, an OADM can add one or more new wavelength channels to an existing multi-wavelength WDM signal, or drop/remove one or more channels, passing those signals to another network path. The OADM selectively removes (drops) a wavelength from a multiplicity of wavelengths in a fiber, and thus separating the signals from the particular channel. It then adds the same wavelength in the same direction of data flow, but with different data content. OADM is commonly used in WDM ring systems and in long-haul for more flexible configuration and higher capacity.
Different Types of OADM
OADMs are classified as FOADM (Fixed Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer) and ROADM (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer). In fixed-wavelength OADM, the wavelength has been selected and remains the same until human intervention changes it. In reconfigurable wavelength OADM, the wavelengths between the optical demultiplexer/multiplexer may be dynamically directed from the outputs of the demultiplexer to any of the inputs of the multiplexer.
Fixed Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers
FOADMs were originally developed to improve the delivery of "express" traffic through networks, without requiring expensive OEO regeneration. FOADMs use fixed filters that add/drop a selected wavelength "band" and pass the rest of the wavelengths through the node. Static wavelength-filtering technology eliminates the cost and attenuation to demultiplex all DWDM signals in a signal path. The solution is called FOADM because the wavelength(s) added and dropped are fixed at the time of add/drop filter installation on the optical path through a node. No additional filters can be added without interrupting express wavelengths traveling through the node.
Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers
ROADMs were developed to provide flexibility in rerouting optical streams, bypassing faulty connections, allowing minimal service disruption and the ability to adapt or upgrade the optical network to different WDM technologies. It uses a Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS). The WSS has an 8-dimensional cross-connect and provides quick service start-up, remote cross-connect and WDM mesh networking. The ROADM scheme also allows inputting or outputting a single wavelength or wavelength group via the fixed port. In ROADM systems, we don't need to convert the optical signals to electrical signals and route those signals by using conventional electronic switches then convert back again to optical signals just like FOADM does. ROADM can configure as required without affecting traffic.
Application of OADM
In conventional long-haul transmission systems, emphasis has been placed on how much capacity and how far the system can transmit. In metro/access networks, however, low cost and system flexibility are strongly required. OADM canverify both demands. The main battlefield of OADM application is in MAN (metropolitan area network), featuring high flexibility, easy upgrade and amplification. As an ideal multi-services transport platform in MAN application, OADM also allows different wavelength multiplexing signal at different locations. Another application for OADM is in Optical Cross Connection (OXC). Proposed equipment allow different network to connect dynamic, on-demand wavelength resources and a wider range of network interconnection. OADM and OXC only need to download the information in the nodes to send the person that handles the equipment, including ATM switchboard, SDH switchboard, IP router etc., which greatly improve the efficiency of the node to process information.
Summary
To reduce the cost in large-capacity transmission, whereas conventionally most signal processing has been done after optical-to-electrical conversion, it is required to process signals in optical form. And OADM is one of the key devices to implement such optical signal processing. Use of OADM makes it possible to freely add or drop signals with arbitrary wavelengths over multiplexed optical signals by assigning a wavelength to each destination. Moreover, it also help simplify the component configuration of optical amplifiers through reduced optical attenuation for the express channels - optical channels neither add nor drop at nodes - in OADMs, thereby decreasing the total cost of networks. OADM is still evolving - although these components are relatively small, it will play a key role in producing compact, monolithic, and cost-effective devices.
