Broadband building blocks [optical networks]

This article has focused on optical networks using WDM to provide broadband network solutions with increased functionality, capacity, and reach. The building blocks in this type of networks, i.e., OADMs and OXCs, have been discussed in detail. The different architectures and technology options used in these types of nodes have been investigated. A comparison between WS and BS OADM architectures has been given, while OXCs have been classified into opaque and transparent. The WS and B&S transparent OXC architectures have been discussed in detail, and the various technology options in terms of optical switching have been covered. The system performance of OADMs and OXCs including their cascadability has been analyzed in terms of OSNR, crosstalk, amplifier transients, and filter concatenation effects.