Optical module product series
Technological Innovation and Application of Passive Optical Devices in Backbone OTN/WDM Solutions
With the rapid advancement of 5G, cloud computing and other technologies, backbone networks face surging demands for ultra-large bandwidth, low latency and flexible scheduling. Featuring high capacity, long-haul transmission and intelligent management capabilities, OTN/WDM technologies have become the core bearing solutions for modern backbone networks. As a manufacturer of fiber passive optical devices, we deliver key basic components for OTN/WDM systems through technological innovation, supporting the construction of efficient and reliable transmission networks.
I. Integration of Passive Optical Devices with OTN/WDM Architecture
Backbone OTN/WDM systems adopt a layered architecture consisting of the Optical Channel (OCh) layer, Optical Multiplex Section (OMS) layer and Optical Transmission Section (OTSL) layer. Passive optical devices play an irreplaceable role in optical-layer signal processing:
WDM Multiplexer (WDM Mux)
Supports DWDM and CWDM technologies to realize transmission of over 96 wavelengths over a single fiber (channel spacing customizable at 0.8 nm / 20 nm). Adopting precision optical coating technology, it achieves insertion loss lower than 0.3 dB and wavelength isolation higher than 35 dB.
Optical Isolator
Adopting Faraday rotation magneto-optic crystal technology, it delivers reverse isolation higher than 40 dB, which effectively protects active devices such as EDFA from damage caused by optical reflection.
Optical Splitter
It features a splitting ratio accuracy of ±0.5 dB for 1×N configurations, and supports wavelength-independent power splitting, suitable for optical power monitoring and service protection switching applications.
II. Technological Breakthroughs of Passive Optical Devices
To meet the ultra-long-haul transmission requirements of backbone networks, our products have achieved breakthroughs in the following areas:
Nonlinear Resistance Design
By optimizing the curvature radius of micro-lenses on fiber end faces to less than 5 μm, the four-wave mixing effect under high-power operating conditions is suppressed, enabling transmission of 400G QPSK/16QAM modulated signals.
Wide-Temperature Stability
Adopting fully metallized packaging technology, the operating temperature range covers -40℃ to 85℃, satisfying deployment requirements for outdoor optical relay stations.
Intelligent Integration
We have developed hybrid passive optical components, such as integrated 3-in-1 modules combining WDM multiplexer, optical isolator and optical splitter. The module size is reduced by 60%, suitable for high-density deployment in OXC all-optical switching equipment.
III. Application Advantages in OTN/WDM Systems
Improved Network Reliability
Optical circulators are used to build Optical Line Protection (OLP) rings, paired with 1+1 optical path redundancy design to realize rapid switching within 50 ms. For an 80 km 400G system, the Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) of our passive components is controlled below 0.1 dB to guarantee uninterrupted service transmission.
Reduced O&M Complexity
Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS) pre-assembled with fiber beam collimators support remote reconfiguration of wavelength routing, replacing manual fiber patchcord operations on conventional ODF frames. Practical tests prove this solution cuts O&M workload by 30%.
Optimized Transmission Performance
For extended Super C-band (1525–1568 nm) applications, our ultra-broadband WDM components cover a 6 THz spectral range and boost single-fiber capacity up to 64 Tbps. Compatibility design for G.652 / G.655 fibers further lowers deployment costs.
IV. Successful Application Cases
Backbone Network Upgrade Project for a Major Operator
A 96-channel DWDM + OTN electrical cross-connect solution was deployed, equipped with high-density optical circulators (IL < 1.2 dB) and variable optical attenuators with adjustment accuracy of ±0.1 dB. The system supports 200G services across inter-provincial links spanning 4,000 km.
Data Center Interconnect (DCI)
Silicon-based hybrid integrated optical components are adopted to construct all-optical Mesh networks. Each rack delivers a switching capacity of 1.6 Pbps with power consumption reduced by 45%.
V. Future Technology Roadmap
Targeting 1.6 Tbps coherent transmission requirements, we are developing ultra-low-loss couplers based on photonic crystal fibers with theoretical insertion loss below 0.05 dB, as well as extended-band WDM modules covering the L++ band (1575–1625 nm). Our smart optical components will integrate built-in optical power and OSNR monitoring functions.
This paper analyzes the core technical route of passive optical components in OTN/WDM backbone networks from the perspective of component manufacturing. Please contact our technical team for detailed datasheets and customized solutions if you require specific specifications.
