WXC: Wavelength Crossconnect ROADM Explained

This page explains the basics of WXC (Wavelength Crossconnect) used in the fiber optical domain. It details the function of the Wavelength Crossconnect ROADM (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer) type.

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.