Multi-Degree ROADM´s with Agile Add-Drop Access

The rapid planning and deployment of reconfigurable all-optical carrier networks requires next-generation ROADM´s that can support unlimited add-drop access with very high flexibility. We review a cost-effective multi-degree ROADM that can support up to 100% add-drop traffic capacity with unparalleled agility and minimal pre-planning. The ability of this ROADM to share, distribute and therefore minimize the need for local resources such as regeneration, wavelength-conversion, broadcast, and multicast cards, to the lowest possible required, is discussed for overall network level savings.