ROADM stands for Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer. It is a device that allows for multiple channels of light (DWDM) to be transmitted over a fiber pair. A ROADM can be used to add, drop, pass, and redirect wavelengths carrying data channels in order to customize fiber networks.
ROADM is used in telecommunications to increase the flexibility and efficiency of optical networks. ROADM enables remote configuration and reconfiguration of lightpaths, and supports various scenarios and requirements of different services, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine type communications (mMTC). ROADM also supports beamforming, which is a technique to improve the signal quality and coverage by directing the radio waves towards the intended direction.
ROADM is a key technology for 5G and beyond networks, as it can support high bandwidth, low latency, and dynamic traffic demands. ROADM can also reduce the operational costs and complexity of optical networks, as it eliminates the need for manual patches and conversions of optical signals.