Application of WDM in local exchange networks

Summary form only given. Multiwavelength optical layer networking can enable a network operator to add and rearrange high-capacity links dynamically, making more efficient use of network resources. Transparent switching would allow the same network to support signals with a variety of rates and formats, also resulting in capital and operations savings. The added capacity that WDM provides may also be used to provide more cost-effective service restoration from fiber cuts. To make this happen, network control and management capabilities are equal in importance to hardware technology capabilities and equipment costs.