ROADMS Unlock the Edge of the Network

Since their introduction in 2003, reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers have brought new flexibility and scalability to what was once a static optical telecommunications network. In five short years, ROADMs have become a mainstream requirement in core networks, and are an essential feature in metro DWDM deployments. As the demand for bandwidth and flexibility overwhelm the edge of the network, carriers are deploying ROADM-equipped nodes that are well suited for ring topologies. This is no easy task as new nodes must accommodate 40 and 100 Gb/s channel capacities, be economically viable, and be frugal in both power consumption and footprint. ROADM vendors have made great strides recently and are now able to take the ROADMs closer to end users with high-bandwidth applications.