Use of WDM technique in SDH networks

Abstract This paper proposes the introduction of the multiwavelength technique in the three layers of a SDH-based network. In the trunk layer, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) takes advantage of the optical parallelism in a single fiber. Cross-connection can be achieved either passively (i.e., with tunable filters) or by means of wavelength converters. The latter solution, which offers high flexibility, was implemented in a 4 × 4 optical routing element. In the junction network the feasibility of a three-station WDM self-healing ring was demonstrated. Finally, in the access network, synchronous burst access and time and wavelength division multiplexing (T/WDM) switching is proposed to offer service flexibility to the subscribers.