What is WXC: Wavelength Crossconnect ROADM

A Wavelength CrossConnect (WXC) is an optical switching device that routes wavelength channels between multiple fiber links in a DWDM network. WXC technology enables dynamic traffic management, efficient bandwidth allocation and flexible network reconfiguration while supporting high capacity optical communication infrastructures.

Wavelength Cross Connect-WXC ROADM

EXAMPLE: For degree N node (N directions, with N input fibers and N output fibers) and M wavelengths per fiber, a WXC needs N de-muxes, N muxes, and M number of N x N switches.

The figure depicts a degree 8 node with 40 channels used in a mesh network. Here, a WXC consists of 8 MUX/DEMUX pairs, each handling 40 channels, and 40 switches arranged in an 8 x 8 configuration. Each 8 x 8 switch operates on a single wavelength. It can switch any input fiber to any output fiber, providing true colorless ports.

Following are the key features of WXC (Wavelength Cross Connect) type of ROADM:

• It provides N x N connectivity for mesh networks.
• Non-blocking reconfigurable node.
• Reliable configuration.
• No regeneration required.
• No wavelength conversion necessary.