Difference between ROADM-WB,PLC,WSS,WXC RODAM types
This page compares various ROADM types WB,PLC,WSS and WXC. It mentions difference between WB(Wavelength Blocker), PLC(Planar Lightwave Circuit), WSS(Wavelength Selective Switch) and WXC(Wavelength Crossconnect) ROADM types.
ROADM is the short form of Reconfigurable Optical Add Drop MUX. All the ROADM types mentioned here is used as reconfigurable add/drop multiplexer in fiber optic domain.
WB-Wavelength Blocker ROADM
Figure-1 depicts configuration of WB ROADM type.
Refer Wavelength Blocker➤
PLC-Planar Lightwave Circuit ROADM
Figure-2 depicts configuration of PLC ROADM type.
Refer PLC➤
WSS-Wavelength Selective Switch ROADM
Figure-3 depicts configuration of WSS ROADM type.
Refer WSS➤
WXC-Wavelength Crossconnect ROADM
Figure-4 depicts configuration of WXC ROADM type.
Refer Wavelength Crossconnect➤
Following table summarizes difference between ROADM types.
| comparison factor |
WB ROADM | PLC ROADM | WSS ROADM | WXC ROADM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Wavelength Blocker | Planar Lightwave Circuit | Wavelength Selective Switch | Wavelength Crossconnect |
| Configuration | 2 DWDM ports e.g. 1 IN and 1 OUT | 2 DWDM ports e.g. 1 IN, 1 OUT and 2*N single λ ports | N+1 DWDM ports e.g. 1 IN, 1 OUT and N-1 service | 2*N DWDM ports e.g. N-1 IN, N-1 OUT, 1 ADD and 1 DROP |
| Sub-system | LCD WB | PLC small switch array and AWGs (Arrayed Waveguide Grating) |
1 x N MEMS WSS, 1 x N LCD WSS, 1 x N LCoS WSS |
PLC Matrix Switches and AWGs |
| Advantages (Pros) |
It is first ROADM developed, Number of A/D ports = N (All λ's) |
• low power consumption • Lowest cost • No moving parts • No vibration sensitivity |
• Can be mesh upgradable • Can be colorless |
• Lowest cost for degree 5 to 8 • Upgradable to any degree as per internal architecture • Any multiple λ's between any two ports |
| Disadvantages (Cons) |
• Not mesh upgradable • Supports DCE function only • extra optical devices such as splitters, combiners, taps are needed for A/D |
• Not easily upgradable to Degree-2, • Not easily colorless | • Vibration sensitive • Not cost effective for degree-2 version • Number of A/D ports are less than N and not λ upgradable |
Costly if non PLC switches, MUX, De-mux are used. |
Fiber Optic Network and Optical Components Related Links
DWDM system basics Fibre optic communication What is PDMA? What is WDM? SONET SDH tutorial SDH Networks SDH Frame structure SDH Modulation PDH Frame structure Optical Components Optical Isolator Optical Circulator Optical Amplifier Optical Filter Optical Coupler Optical MUX DEMUX Optical Equalizer Optical Switch Wavelength converter
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