Multiplexing Techniques v1

Máster Universitario en Ingeniería de Sistemas
Electrónicos y Aplicaciones - MISEA
Photonic Subsystems
Displays and Photonics Applications Group (GDAF)

Electronics Technology Department
Optical Network Technologies 1

Multiplexing Technologies
A. Introduction: capacity limits of optical fiber systems

B. Overview of multiplexing and modulation techniques in optical fiber systems
C. Advanced modulation techniques in optical fiber systems
D. Multiplexing techniques in optical fiber systems
a. Optical time division multiplexing (OTDM): work principle and standards
b. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM): work principle and standards
c. Code division multiplexing (CDM) and polarization division multiplexing (PDM)
d. Space division multiplexing (SDM)

Available Bandwidth in Optical Fibers
• (2) second window (1310nm):

∆λ = 80nm ⇒ ∆f = 14THz
•(3) Third window (1550nm):
∆λ = 120nm ⇒ ∆f = 15THz
Telecom windows
BW FO ≈ 30THz
Q.2.1 BWOF?
Available Bandwidth in Optical Fibers
Q.2.1

Available BWOF ≅ 58THz
What is the maximum bit rate at

which one digital signal can be
transmitted over an optical fiber?

Capacity Limits of Optical Fiber Systems
Point-to-Point Link
TX Transmission Medium
RX
Optical Fiber Limitations

System Capacity (C (bits/s):
The capacity of a system
measures the amount of data
that can be transmitted over the
transmission medium
Spectral Efficiency
(SE (bits/s/Hz)):
Capacity/Bandwidth

Noise Limit
Noise effect (Shannon-Hartley Theorem)
Typical value of S/N = 100
Theoretical Optical Fiber

Q.2.2 Capacity and Spectral
Efficiency for S/N = 100?

Noise Limit
Q.2.2

Noise Limit
Theoretical Optical Fiber Spectral Efficiency for S/N = 100?
b/s
SEOF ≅ 6.6
Hz
Real spectral efficiency depends on the type of modulation (process of
converting digital data to an optical signal that can be transmitted over the
fiber)
Basic modulation scheme in optical communication is on-off keying (OOK):

“1” bit is encoded by the presence of a light pulse in the bit interval and “0” bit
is encoded by the absence of a light pulse
OOK of digital data in theory can achieve a spectral efficiency of 1 b/s/Hz. In

practice, the spectral efficiency of these systems is more like 0.4 b/s/Hz.
The maximum possible capacity of an optical fiber channel with OOK

modulation is about 20 Tb/s.

Nonlinearities Limit
Nonlinearities effect
The propagation properties of the medium change with increasing signal power.
The negative impact of nonlinear signal distortions grows at a faster rate than the S/N
capacity gain at high signal powers
This behavior may turn the channel capacity into a non-monotonic function of the transmit
power, and the channel capacity will exhibit a pronounced maximum at a given (finite)
signal power level or S/N.
SE (b/s/Hz)
S/N ↑↑ : reduces
spectral efficiency
SE Max
Fiber
Important in long-haul nonlinearity
networks Noise
S/N (dB)
Signal launch
power (dBm)
Chromatic Dispersion Limit
CD effect
Limits Signal Bit

Rate
(2,5Gb/s-10Gb/s
typical with OOK
modulation)
B. Collings, F. Heismann, G. Lietaert, Reference Guide to Fiber Opti c Testing,Chapter 1: Chromatic Dispersion, JDSU,

How to Increase Optical Fiber Systems Capacity?
Using of “orthogonal signals or dimensions” to transmit

diferent “information channels” over one transmission
medium (two signals/dimensions are orthogonal if messages sent in these
two signals/dimensions can be uniquely separated from one another at the
receiver without impacting each other’s detection performance)
Multiplexing Techniques: different communications channels

share one transmission medium: SCM, OFM, OFDM, RoF, MGDM, SDM,
PDM, TDM, WDM, hybrid,…
or/and
Advanced Modulation Formats: transmission of more than

one bit per symbol: M-ary, PAM, OOK, QPSK, QAM, CAP,….
Can include equalization techniques: FEC, DFE,… and others more complex
+ Optical fiber with CD Reduction/Compensation and Coherent Detection

Multiplexing
• Each channel requires a transmission • Multiple channels share de same transmission

medium medium
• The medium should "split" somehow leaving a
Channel capacity << OF capacity portion of BW to each channel
☺ OFs Capacity ↑↑⇒

↑↑⇒ Transmission of a large
number of channels
(Aggregate capacity ≅ OF capacity)

Modulation
In optical fiber communication systems, the baseband signals are modulated onto
high frequency optical carriers for transmission
Amplitude modulation (AM) or amplitude-shift keying (ASK) or on-off keying (OOK) is

the simplest and commonly used technique in optical fiber communication systems
0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1
Constellation
BT (b / s ) = 2· B ( Hz )
Im
NRZ-OOK
Tb
T
0 1
Re
BT (b / s ) = B ( Hz )
RZ-OOK 0+0j 1+0j
Tb
T
1 1
BT (b / s ) = B ( Hz ) =
Tb T
In advanced communication systems, instead of transmitting single bit per symbol,

using two level binary signals, more than one bit per symbol can be achieved, which it
results in higher transmission capacity. This technique is called multilevel signaling.
The number of signal level M, follows the rule of M = 2b where the b is the number of bits
per symbol, thus called M-ary signaling. ES is about log2M b/s/Hz

PSK Modulation
1 bit/ symbol (2-PSK)
Binary 1 is signed as sin(ωt) and binary 0 is signed as sin(ωt + π) or –sin(ωt).
1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 Im
0 1
Re
-1+0j 1+0j
0º 0º 0º 180º 180º 0º 180º 180º
2 bits/ symbol (4-PSK / QPSK) 00 , 01 , 11 ,10:

Im 45º, 135º, 225º, 315º
00 01 11 10
Im
01
01 00
11 00
Re
Re
0º 90º 180º 270º 10

11 10
Capacity (QPSK) = 2· Capacity (2-PSK)

Quadrature-Amplitude Modulation
Combination of ASK and PSK
8-APSK (2 ASK-4PSK)
2 amplitudes
4 phases
3 amplitudes
12 phases

Modulation Formats Comparision
Essiambre et all., “Capacity Limits of Optical Fiber Networks”, Journal of Lightwave Technology, 28 (4) (2010)

Multiplexing Techniques and Advanced Modulation Formats in Optical Communications
Peter J. Winzer “Modulation and Multiplexing in Optical Communications Systems”, IEEE LEOS Newlsletter, 23, 1, 2009

Multiplexing Techniques and Advanced Modulation Formats in Optical Communications
Physical dimensions (other perspective)
Peter J. Winzer “Optical Fiber Networks: challenges and solutions ”, Optics & Photonics News, pp. 30-35, March 2015

Remember
Q.2.3
Optical fiber capacity limitations
Techniques to increase optical fiber

systems capacity related with physical
dimensions

Remember
Q.2.3

Multiplexing Approaches (Radio-over-Fiber)
RoF (Radio-over-Fiber)
OFM (Optical Frequency Multiplexing)
www.ericsson.com, “RoF technology for wireless access”
SCM (SubCarrier Multiplexing)

A. Ng’oma, “Using OFM to deliver a 17GHz 64QAM modulated signal to a simplified RAU fed with MMF”,
Optical Fiber Communications Conference (OFC), 2005.
0 .8
OFDM
Normalized Amplitude --->

0 .6
(Orthogonal 0 .4
Frequency Division 0 .2
Multiplexing)
0
-0 . 2
S. Kamprachar, “Modeling, analysis and design of SCM on
multimode fiber”, PhD Thesis, Virginia State University, 2003. -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6
N o r m a li z e d F r e q u e n c y (fT ) -- ->

Multiplexing Approaches (MIMO systems)
MGDM (Mode Group diversity Multiplexing)
End fiber light

power distribution
M. Awad et al., “The inter-modes mixing effects in MGDM”,
Optics Comm., 282, 3908-3917, 2009.
C. P. Tsekrekos et al., “An experimental investigation of the MGDM technique”, Proc. IEEE/LEOS Benelux Chapter, 2005

Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)
Channel 1
(B bits/s) RX1
TX1
Channel 2 Data Frame

TX2
(B bits/s) RX2 • Time slots assignment
• MUX sample rate limitation
DEMUX
Channel 1
MUX
Channel N Channel 2
.. … (B.N bits/s)
…
(B.N bits/s) (B.N bits/s)
…
• System Capacity < 1Tb/s
Transmission Medium
Channel N
(B bits/s)
TXN RXN
Example: 3 TX, 1 time slot per TX + 1 sync bit
RX1
Synchronous TDM TX1
Frame n Frame 1
DEMUX
TX2 1 0 1 0 RX2
MUX
• 1 TX : one or more time slots
TX3 RX3
assigned (the full capacity of the Sync bits
medium is not utilized as some

time slots may be empty)
ABCD ABCD
RX1
• Sync bits enable the TX1
demultiplexer synchronization EF Frame 1 EF
DEMUX
TX2 A1 G H0 H E C 1 I F D0 RX2
with the input stream to separate MUX
GHI
the information for each slot TX3
GHI
RX3

Q.2.4
4 TX, 1 slot (8 bits) /frame + 1 sync bit, sample rate MUX = 250MHz
System bit rate, bit period, slot period, frame period ?

Q.2.4

Optical Time Division Multiplexing (OTDM)
G.A. Mahdiraji and A.F Abas, “Advanced Modulation Formats and Multiplexing Techniques for Optical Telecommunication Systems” (2010)

SONET /SDH (Synchronous Optical NETwork/ Synchronous Digital Hierarchy )
SONET is the TDM optical network standard for North America (called SDH in the rest of the world).
De-facto standard for fiber backhaul networks
SONET defines a technology for carrying many signals of different capacities through a synchronous,
flexible optical hierarchy. This is accomplished by means of a byte-interleaved multiplexing scheme
Base signal :STS (Synchronous Transport Signal) -1 consists of 810 bytes over 125 us;
STS-n consists of 810n bytes over 125 us
STS-1 consists of 810 bytes over 125 us

27 bytes carry overhead information
Remaining 783 bytes: Synchronous Payload Envelope

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
B bits/s
λ1
λ1
TX1 NB bits/s RX1
λ2 λ2
TX2 RX2
…
DEMUX
MUX
…
SM OF
λ3 λ3
TXN RXN
Each data channel is transmitted using a slightly different wavelength

Using a different wavelength for each channel, many channels can be transmitted
through the same fiber without interference
Advantages
Capacity Increment :offers the ability to send vast amounts of information
Format Independent : Information in completely different format can be
transmitted over the same fiber (voice, data, video, tv)
Scalability : Allows for growth on demand (extra wavelength channels can be
added when need arises)

Number of WDM Channels?
CH1 2B CH2 CH3 Q.2.5

B
…
Guardband
Frequency
B = 2.5GHz
Guardband = 2xB
(low crosstalk)
N channels O-E-S-C-
L bands?

Number of WDM Channels?
Q.2.5

Coarse and Dense Division Multiplexing (CWDM/DWDM)
Parameter CWDM DWDM

Channels / fiber 4-16 32-160
Channel grid 20 nm (2500 GHz) 0.8-0.4 nm (100-50 GHz)
Channel capacity 2.5 Gbps 10-40 Gbps

Fiber capacity 20-40 Gbps >1000 Gbps
Laser type Uncooled DFB Cooled DFB
Distance < 80 km Hundreds-thousands km
Cost Low Medium-high

Optical amplification None EDFA

Optical Code Division Multiplexing /Optical Code Division Multiple Access (OCDM/OCDMA)
TXs can send the information simultaneously, with the same frequency and at the
same time points but using a different encoding
Each RX decodes the information associated to it
Channel 1
DECOD 1 RX1
TX1 COD 1
Channel 2
TX2 COD 2 DECOD 2 RX2
Channel 1
DEMUX
MUX
Channel 2
…
…
Channel N
Transmission Medium
Channel N
TXN COD 3 DECOD 3 RXN

Polarization Division Multiplexing (PDM)
Polarization division multiplexing (PDM) is a method for doubling the system capacity or spectral
efficiency, in which two independently modulated data channels with the same wavelength, but
orthogonal polarization states are simultaneously transmitted in a single fiber. At the receiver end, the two
polarization channels are separated and detected independently.
The main advantage of PDM is that, it can be applied on existing fiber system without having to change
any part of transmission hardware or software. It can also be used together with modulation format like
QPSK to quadruple system capacity.
G.A. Mahdiraji and A.F Abas, “Advanced Modulation Formats and Multiplexing Techniques for Optical Telecommunication Systems” (2010)

Spectral Efficiency Future Needs (I)
Where are current WDM systems experiments?
>
>

Spectral Efficiency Future Needs (II)
Is optimized single mode optical fiber capacity enough for future

communications needs?
SDM
Peter J. Winzer, “Energy-Efficient Optical Transport Capacity Scaling Through Spatial Multiplexing”, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, 23 (13), (2011)

Space Division Multiplexing (SDM)
SDM is a multiplexing scheme that utilizes the space domain. The space domain is an
additional dimension that is orthogonal to the frequency/time domain. Within each space
channel, the frequency/time/wavelength division multiplexing can be applied
MIMO:
Multiple Input
Multiple Output

Approaches to SDM
In optical communications, SDM can be achieved through either a multi-core fibre (MCF) or a
multi-mode fibre (MMF). For MMF (or more specifically, few-mode fibre (FMF)) based SDM
transmission, mode-division multiplexing (MDM) is used. It is known that in a MMF or FMF, many
orthogonal spatial (transverse) modes can be guided and transmitted simultaneously. By
multiplexing the N different spatial modes, theoretically we can obtain a channel capacity that is N
times of SMF.
Multi-core fibers:
(a) Fibre-bundles composed of physically-independent,

single-mode fibres of reduced cladding dimension
(b) MCF comprising multiple independent cores
sufficiently spaced to limit crosstalk
Few-mode fibers:
(c) FMF with a core dimension/numerical aperture set to

guide a restricted number of modes. To date work has
focussed primarily on using the first few LP-fibre modes
(d) Coupled-core fibres support supermodes that allow for
higher spatial mode densities than isolated-core fibres.
MIMO processing is essential to address the inherent
mode-coupling
(e) Photonic Band Gap fibres guide light in an air-core
and thus have ultra-low optical nonlinearity, offer the
potential for lower losses than solid core fibres Work is
D. J. Richardson, J. M. Fini and L E. Nelson, “Space Division Multiplexing in Optical Fibres”,
underway to understand whether such fibres can support
Nature Photonics 7, 354-362 (2013)
MDM and to establish their practicality for high capacity
communications

Approaches to SDM
In optical communications, SDM can be achieved through either a multi-core fibre (MCF) or a
multi-mode fibre (MMF). For MMF (or more specifically, few-mode fibre (FMF)) based SDM
transmission, mode-division multiplexing (MDM) is used. It is known that in a MMF or FMF, many
orthogonal spatial (transverse) modes can be guided and transmitted simultaneously. By
multiplexing the N different spatial modes, theoretically we can obtain a channel capacity that is N
times of SMF.
40,000 users data center

D. J. Richardson, J. M. Fini and L E. Nelson, “Space Division Multiplexing in Optical Fibres”,
Nature Photonics 7, 354-362 (2013)

SDM-MIMO Experiments

Evolution of Transmission Capacity in Optical Fiber Systems
D. J. Richardson, J. M. Fini and L E. Nelson, “Space Division Multiplexing in Optical Fibres”, Nature Photonics 7, 354-362 (2013)

Remember
Q.2.6
Advanced modulation formats

(QPSK,8-PSK,16QAM) working principle,
constellations and OF capacity
improvement
Multiplexing techniques (O-TDM, WDM,

PDM,SDM) working principle, standards
and OF capacity improvement

Remember
Q.2.6

Multiplexing subsystems.
Application to WDM networks
A. WDM networks basic concepts and standards
B. Fundamentals of optical devices used in WDM networks
C. Multichannel systems design using ITU-T Recommendations

a. Parameters for specification of multichannel systems
b. CWDM system design examples

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
B bits/s
λ1
λ1
TX1 NB bits/s RX1
λ2 λ2
TX2 RX2
…
DEMUX
MUX
…
SM OF
λ3 λ3
TXN RXN
Each data channel is transmitted using a slightly different wavelength

Using a different wavelength for each channel, many channels can be transmitted
through the same fiber without interference
Advantages
Capacity Increment :offers the ability to send vast amounts of information
Transparency : Information in completely different format can be transmitted over
the same fiber (voice, data, video, tv) ; analog/digital
Scalability : Allows for growth on demand (extra wavelength channels can be
added when need arises)
Routing and switching based on the wavelength (another additional dimension
to space and time)
CWDM and DWDM ITU-T Wavelength Grids
Parameter CWDM DWDM

Channels /
4-16 32-160
fiber
20 nm 0.8-0.4 nm
Channel grid
(2500 GHz) (100-50 GHz)
Channel
2.5 Gbps 10-40 Gbps
capacity
Fiber
20-40 Gbps >1000 Gbps
capacity
Uncooled ITU-T G.694.1
Laser type Cooled DFB
DFB
Hundreds-
Distance < 80 km thousands
km
Cost Low Medium-high
Optical
None EDFA
amplification

WDM Functional Schematic
A WDM system performs the following primary functions:

• Generating the signal—The source must provide stable light within a specific, narrow bandwidth that carries
digital data modulated as an analog signal.
• Combining the signals—WDM systems employ multiplexers to combine the signals. There is some inherent
loss associated. This loss is dependent on the number of channels but can be mitigated with optical amplifiers.
• Transmitting the signals—The effects of crosstalk and optical signal degradation or loss must be
considered in fiber-optic transmission. Controlling variables such as channel spacing, wavelength tolerance,
and laser power levels can minimize these effects.
• Separating the received signals—At the receiving end, the multiplexed signals must be separated out.
• Receiving the signals—The demultiplexed signal is received by a photodetector.
In addition to these functions, a WDM system must also be equipped with client-side interfaces to receive the
input signal. The client-side interface function can be performed by transponders.

WDM Unidirectional and Bidirectional
Unidirectional WDM is the transmission of all optical channels on a fiber propagating

simultaneously in the same direction
Bidirectional WDM is the transmission of optical channels on a fiber propagating

simultaneously in both directions

WDM Components
WDM Unidirectional
http://www.embedded.com/print/4384654
WDM Bidirectional
TX1
OEO TX1
OEO
RX1
…
DE/MUXMUX
RX1
…
MUX/DEMUX
TXN
OEO TXN
OEO
RXN
RXN

WDM MUX/DEMUX
MULTIPLEXER: Combine the incoming signals of several sources over a single fiber
DEMULTIPLEXER: Separe the received beam into its wavelength components and coupling
them to individual fibers. Demultiplexing must be done before the light is detected, because
photodetectors are inherently broadband devices that cannot selectively detect a single
wavelength.
Unidirectional system there is a

multiplexer at the sending end and a
demultiplexer at the receiving end. Two
systems (back-to-back terminals) with
two separate fibers are required at each
end for bidirectional communication.
Bidirectional system has a

multiplexer/demultiplexer at each end and
communication occurs over a single fiber,
with different wavelengths used for each
direction.
d7ovw.pdf
50
Optical Network Technologies
WDM MUX/DEMUX Technologies (I)
Arrayed Waveguide Gratings (AWG)
Based on diffraction principles. An AWG device (optical waveguide router or waveguide grating
router), consists of an array of curved-channel waveguides with a fixed difference in the path
length between adjacent channels. The waveguides are connected to cavities at the input and
output. When the light enters the input cavity, it is diffracted and enters the waveguide array. There
the optical length difference of each waveguide introduces phase delays in the output
cavity, where an array of fibers is coupled. The process results in different wavelengths having
maximal interference at different locations, which correspond to the output ports.
Mux/Demux operations
simultaneously
Flat spectral response
Low insertion loss
Polarization-dependent
(can be compensated)
Temperature sensitivity
(makes them impractical in
some environments.)

WDM MUX/DEMUX Technologies (II)
Diffraction Grating
DEMULTIPLEXER
Based on the principles

of diffraction and optical
interference.
When a polychromatic
light source impinges on
a diffraction grating each
wavelength is diffracted
at a different angle and
therefore to a different MULTIPLEXER
point in space. Using a
lens, these wavelengths
can be focused onto
individual fibers.

WDM MUX/DEMUX Technologies (III)
Multi-Layer Interference Filters

Splitter + Optical Filter
By positioning filters, consisting of thin films, in
the optical path, wavelengths can be
demultiplexed. Each filter transmits one
wavelength while reflecting others. By
cascading these devices, many wavelengths
can be demultiplexed, Filters offer good
stability and isolation between channels at
moderate cost, but with a high insertion loss

CWDM Mux/Demux Specifications
For a WDM system, independence of MUX/DMUX function to data rate and

format is also important. A design engineer cares for the following critical
parameters of the MUX and DMUX components.
Insertion loss and its uniformity over all channels.

Channel passband width (or bandwidth), passband accuracy, stability and
uniformity (or ripple).
Center wavelength stability and accuracy i.e., offset from ITU grid.
Crosstalk between adjacent and non-adjacent channels.
Polarization dependent loss (PDL).
Return loss or back reflection (for DMUX).
Directivity or forward reflection (for MUX).
Chromatic dispersion and group delay.

CWDM Mux/Demux Specifications
Parameters definition:
ITU-T G.671: Transmission
characteristics of optical
components and subsystems
A Review of DWDM The Heart of Optical Networks , Anis Rahman (2001)

Optical Add/Dropp Multiplexers (OADM)
FUNCTIONAL SCHEMATIC
Between multiplexing and demultiplexing

points in a WDM system there is an area in
which multiple wavelengths exist. It is often
necessary to remove or insert one or
more wavelengths at some point along
this span. An optical add/drop multiplexer
(OADM) performs this removal/insertion
function. Rather than combining or
separating all wavelengths, the OADM can
remove some while passing others on.
The term OADM is used for fixed add/drop

wavelengths. The wavelength(s) to be IMPLEMENTATION
dropped / inserted are selected and remain(s)
the same until human intervention changes
them. Optical Optical
circulator circulator
1 3
2 2 3
FBG 1
In Out
λBragg=λ3
Drop Add

Reconfigurable Optical Add/Dropp Multiplexers (ROADM)
ROADM (Reconfigurable OADM): The wavelengths between the optical demultiplexer and multiplexer to be
added / dropped may be dynamically changed, usually, by a remote management system.
OADMs and ROADMs are needed for the backbone and for the metropolitan area networks, in which one
or more channels need to be dropped or added while preserving the integrity of the other channels.
The incoming optical signal is

broadcast through a passive optical
coupler so that part of the signal is Input Port Output Port
dropped and the other part is sent to the
passthrough path.
The drop path goes to demultiplexers
and to local receivers.
In the passthrough path, there is a
wavelength blocker, which is a
reconfigurable device that can
selectively block or passthrough
individual wavelengths.The wavelengths
that are dropped at the ROADM are
blocked by the wavelength blocker so
they do not reach the output.
The wavelengths from local tunable
tranmitters of the ROADM are added to
the output of the ROADM through a
combiner

Optical/Photonic Cross-Connects (PXC/OXC)
The development of wide-area WDM networks requires a dynamic wavelength routing scheme, which can
reconfigure the network. The PXC is a cross-connect device in which one or more signals can be cross-
connected from one of a number of input ports to one of a number of output port(s).
Spatial
Switches
λ1, λ2 ,..., λi−1, λi λ1, λ2 ,..., λi−1, λi

λ1
λ1, λ2 ,..., λi−1, λi λ1, λ2 ,..., λi−1, λi

λ2
λ1, λ2 ,..., λi−1, λi λ1, λ2 ,..., λi−1, λi

λi
Add port Drop port
A variety of PXC types are included within this definition such as devices which switch from any input port to any
output port:
i) any wavelength; ii) groups of wavelengths; iii) all wavelengths;
These PXCs may also include additional optical functions such as adding or dropping channels, chromatic
dispersion compensation, PMD compensation, etc.

Transponders (Wavelength Converters)
Transponders convert optical signals from one incoming wavelength to another outgoing wavelength
suitable for WDM applications. Are optical-electrical-optical (O-E-O) devices: converts the client optical
signal back to an electrical signal (O-E) and then performs either 2R (reamplify, reshape) or 3R (reamplify,
reshape, and retime) functions.
From left to right, the transponder receives an optical bit
stream operating at one particular wavelength (1310 nm)
and converts the operating wavelength of the incoming
bit stream to an ITU-compliant wavelength. It transmits
its output into a WDM system. On the receive side (right
to left), the process is reversed. The transponder
receives an ITU-compliant bit stream and converts the
signals back to the wavelength used by the client device.

59
Single and Multichannel System Interfaces
Single-channel interface: only one optical channel (one wavelength) is present on an optical fiber.
Multichannel interface several optical channels (several wavelength) are present on an optical fiber. A
multichannel system is generally described as a WDM system.

Multichannel System ITU-T Specification Methods
“Black-box” approach. This means that it
is not intended to specify the implementation
details of the internal elements and/or the
connections between the elements within the
black-box.
The black-box is characterised by a set of
parameters and associated values at its
output (S-type interface point) and/or its input
(R-type interface point). This approach
enables transverse compatibility between
sending” black-box, optical link and
“receiving” black-box.
“Black-link” approach means that optical interface parameters are specified at the single-channel interface inputs and outputs of
the “black-link”. The link itself is considered “black” and it may consist of passive elements (e.g. fibers, optical multiplexers, optical
demultiplexers, OADMs, etc.) and active elements like optical amplifiers. The details of the black-link design are proprietary to the
black-link designer. Additional informative descriptions are provided for the fiber link parameters of the multichannel section, such
as maximum attenuation, chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion. This approach enables transverse compatibility
between the single-channel input and output points of a black-link. However, it does not enable transverse compatibility at the
multichannel points inside the black-link.

Parameters for Specification of MultiChannel System Interfaces
ITU-G695 (CWDM)

Parameters for Specification of MultiChannel System Interfaces
ITU-G695 (CWDM)
Channel insertion loss (WDM devices): It is the reduction in optical power between an
input and output port of a WDM device in decibels (dB). It is defined as:
Chromatic dispersion range: This parameter defines the range of values of the optical
path chromatic dispersion that the system shall be able to tolerate. The limits are considered
worst-case dispersion values.
Minimum optical return loss at SS

Reflections are caused by refractive index discontinuities along the optical path. If not controlled,
they can degrade system performance through their disturbing effect on the operation of the
optical source, or through multiple reflections which lead to interferometric noise at the receiver.
The optical return loss is the ratio of the incident optical power to the total returned optical power
from the entire fibre including both discrete reflections and distributed backscattering such as
Rayleigh scattering.
Maximum inter-channel crosstalk at RS: Inter-channel crosstalk is defined as the ratio of

total power in all of the disturbing channels to that in the wanted channel, where the wanted and
disturbing channels are at different wavelengths.

CWDM System Design Example using ITU-T Recommendation
Q.2.7
A. ITU-T DESIGN PARAMETERS: CWDM SHORT-HAUL

(1 SPAN, NO AMPLIFIERS), 4 CHANNELS, 2,5Gb/s,
NRZ, C BAND AND G652 FIBERS ?

ITU-T G695 (CWDM) Application Codes
Design Parameters in ITU-T

Recommendation?

Physical Layer Parameters
ITU-T G695 (CWDM)

S-C4S1-1D2
Components: G.652.A Optical Fiber

S-C4S1-1D2 Components: OM/OD
Bidirectional

Q.2.7
B. Without OADM , maximum link length?

Physical Layer Parameters
ITU-T G695 (CWDM)

S-C4S1-1D2 Components: OADM

Q.2.7
C. With L = 10 km, maximum number of OADM?

References
BASIC
Rajiv Ramaswami, Kumar N. Sivarajan and Galen H. Sasaki, “Optical Networks A Practical Perspective” ((Third
Edition), Elseiver Inc (2010) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780123740922. Chapter 3
(Components) pag 113-157, Chapter 4 (Modulation and Demodulation) pag 245-256 and Chapter 7 (WDM
Network Elements)
ITU-T Recommendations : G.652 (optical fiber), G.671 (components), G.694.1 (DWDM), G.694.2 (CWDM),
G.695 (optical interfaces for CWDM applications)
ADDITIONAL
René-Jean Essiambre , Gerhard Kramer , Peter J. Winzer, Gerard J. Foschini, Bernhard Goebel, “Capacity
Limits of Optical Fiber Networks”, Journal of Lightwave Technology, 28 (4) (2010), http://ieeexplore.ieee.org
B. Collings, F. Heismann, G. Lietaert, “Reference Guide to Fiber Optic Testing, Volumen 2”, Chapter 1:
Chromatic Dispersion, JDSU, (2011),
http://www.jdsu.com/en-us/Test-and-Measurement/Products/details/Pages/jdsu-reference-guides-to-fiber-optic-
testing.aspx#.VGNfDhbp-So
Peter J. Winzer “Modulation and Multiplexing in Optical Communications Systems”, IEEE LEOS Newlsletter, 23,
1, 2009, http://photonicssociety.org/newsletters/feb09/modulation.pdf
Ghafour Amouzad Mahdiraji and Ahmad Fauzi Abas, “Advanced Modulation Formats and Multiplexing
Techniques for Optical Telecommunication Systems” (book “Trends in Telecommunications Technologies” Edited
by Christos J Bouras (2010)) http://www.intechopen.com
D. J. Richardson, J. M. Fini and L E. Nelson, “Space Division Multiplexing in Optical Fibres”, Nature Photonics 7,
354-362 (2013) http://www.orc.soton.ac.uk/publications/58xx/5859.pdf

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Máster Universitario en Ingeniería de Sistemas

Electrónicos y Aplicaciones - MISEA

Displays and Photonics Applications Group (GDAF)

Optical Network Technologies 1

A. Introduction: capacity limits of optical fiber systems

Optical Network Technologies 2

• (2) second window (1310nm):

Optical Network Technologies 4

What is the maximum bit rate at

Optical Network Technologies 5

Optical Fiber Limitations

Optical Network Technologies 6

Noise effect (Shannon-Hartley Theorem)

Typical value of S/N = 100

Theoretical Optical Fiber

Optical Network Technologies 7

Optical Network Technologies 8

Theoretical Optical Fiber Spectral Efficiency for S/N = 100?

Basic modulation scheme in optical communication is on-off keying (OOK):

OOK of digital data in theory can achieve a spectral efficiency of 1 b/s/Hz. In

The maximum possible capacity of an optical fiber channel with OOK

Optical Network Technologies 9

Limits Signal Bit

Optical Network Technologies 11

Using of “orthogonal signals or dimensions” to transmit

Multiplexing Techniques: different communications channels

Advanced Modulation Formats: transmission of more than

+ Optical fiber with CD Reduction/Compensation and Coherent Detection

• Each channel requires a transmission • Multiple channels share de same transmission

☺ OFs Capacity ↑↑⇒

Optical Network Technologies 13

Amplitude modulation (AM) or amplitude-shift keying (ASK) or on-off keying (OOK) is

In advanced communication systems, instead of transmitting single bit per symbol,

Optical Network Technologies 14

0º 0º 0º 180º 180º 0º 180º 180º

2 bits/ symbol (4-PSK / QPSK) 00 , 01 , 11 ,10:

0º 90º 180º 270º 10

Capacity (QPSK) = 2· Capacity (2-PSK)

Optical Network Technologies 15

Optical Network Technologies 16

Optical Network Technologies 17

Optical Network Technologies 18

Physical dimensions (other perspective)

Optical Network Technologies 19

Optical fiber capacity limitations

Techniques to increase optical fiber

Optical Network Technologies 20

Optical Network Technologies 21

www.ericsson.com, “RoF technology for wireless access”

SCM (SubCarrier Multiplexing)

Normalized Amplitude --->

Optical Network Technologies 22

MGDM (Mode Group diversity Multiplexing)

End fiber light

Optical Network Technologies 23

Channel 2 Data Frame

Example: 3 TX, 1 time slot per TX + 1 sync bit

Synchronous TDM TX1

medium is not utilized as some

demultiplexer synchronization EF Frame 1 EF

Optical Network Technologies 24

System bit rate, bit period, slot period, frame period ?

Optical Network Technologies 25