In the post, we will take an introduction on the main difference between CWDM and DWDM as well as which one is your better choice.

1. CWDM vs. DWDM: Which One Is Your Choice?
DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) is undoubtedly the popular technology in
today's optical fiber applications. However, because of its expensive price, many operators
without enough money are quite hesitated to use it. Can we use wavelength division multiplexing
at a lower cost? Faced with this demand, CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) came
into being. And in the post, we will take an introduction on the main difference between CWDM
and DWDMand which one is your better choice.
CWDM, as the name suggests, is a DWDM close relative. When comparing CWDM vs. DWDM,
their differences are mainly two points as follows:
1. CWDM carrier channel spacing is wide, so the same fiber can only reuse 5 to 6 or so
wavelength. This is why we call “Dense” and “Coarse”.
2. CWDM modulates laser by using non-cooling laser, but DWDM is used to cooling laser. The
cooled laser is thermally tuned and the non-cooled laser is electronically tuned. Since the
temperature distribution is very uneven in a wide wavelength range, the temperature tuning is
difficult and costly to achieve. CWDM avoids this difficulty, therefore the cost is significantly
reduced, the entire cost of CWDM system is only 30% of DWDM.
CWDM provides very high access bandwidth for low cost, and is suitable for popular network
structures such as point-to-point, Ethernet, SONET ring, especially for short distance, high
bandwidth, and point-intensive communication applications. Building communication between
buildings or buildings. In particular, it is worth mentioning that CWDM and PON (passive optical
network) with the use. PON is an inexpensive, point-to-multipoint optical fiber communication
method. By combining with CWDM, each individual wavelength channel can be used as the
virtual optical link of PON to realize the broadband data transmission between the central node
and multiple distributed nodes.
At present, several companies are introducing CWDM-related products. Here we mainly
introduce CWDM Mux/Demux and DWDM Mux/Demux.

2. (1). CWDM Mux/Demux Module:
CWDM Mux and CWDM Demux are designed to multiplex multiple CWDM channels into one or
two fibers. The core of CWDM Module application is the passive MUX DEMUX unit. The common
configuration is 1×4, 1×8, 1×16 channels. Available in 19″ Rack Mount or LGX module package,
optional wide band port is available to multiplex with CWDM Channels wavelength.
(2). DWDMMux/Demux Module:
DWDM Mux and DWDM DeMux are designed to multiplex multiple DWDM channels into one or
two fibers. The common configuration is 4, 8, 16 and 40 channels. These modules passively
multiplex the optical signal outputs from 4 or more electronic devices, send them over a single
optical fiber and then de-multiplex the signals into separate, distinct signals for input into
electronic devices at the other end of the fiber optic link.
However, CWDM is the product of cost and performance compromise; inevitably there are some
limitations on performance. Industry experts pointed out that CWDM currently exist below the
following four points: First, CWDM in a single fiber to support the number of multiplex
wavelengths less, resulting in higher cost of expansion in the future; second, multiplexers,
multiplexers, etc. The cost of the equipment should be further reduced, these devices can not
only DWDM corresponding equipment, a simple modification; Third, CWDM does not apply to
metropolitan area networks, metro nodes between the shorter distance, operators in the CWDM
equipment expansion on the money can Used to lay more fiber optic cable, get better results;
Fourth, CWDM has not yet formed a standard.
From the CWDM and DWDM comparison above, we can know both the benefits and drawbacks
of CWDM and DWDM. If the transmission distance is short and cost is low, then CWDM may be
your first choice. On the contrary, you can consider DWDM. For more information about CWDM
and DWDM, you can visit: Gigalight.