xWDM and Passive Components

WDM is the collective term for CWDM and DWDM (Coarse and Dense Wave Division Multiplexing).

In short, this involves sending several signals simultaneously in the same fiber by using different wavelengths. In this way, one singular pair of fibers can transfer over 80 separate channels of traffic, leading to a substantial increase in capacity.

There are two types of WDM systems – passive and active. Passive WDM systems consist of equipment like multiplexers and splitters that do not require electricity. Active systems contain components that need electricity and configuration to function.