– as we know the normal ROADM is reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexer
– used to dynamically perform traffic routing and forwarding on optical Level
– can be controlled by configuration remotely , we can control the signals flow add , drop and passthrough
– IROADM is high qualified ROADM , I here means integrated
– integrated means that Nokia integrated multiple other modules and functions in the same card
– Nokia integrated optical amplifiers , variable attenuator , optical power monitoring , OSC filter , OTDR filters , wavelength tracker , dynamic gain equalizer
– this integration enable greater nodal automation and simplify the shelf deployment and utilities space
– OTDR functions enable greater range of signal testing and troubleshooting
– we have multiple types of IROADM :
IROADM 4 ,9, 20, 32
– differences between them is mainly in the direction capacity for add / drop
– for example IROADM 32 is high capacity module , can support up to 32 switching directions
– it’s an ideal solution for regional and long haul DWDM applications and can support C and L bands, CDCF
– IROADM should have WSS for flexible add , drop traffic routing
– OTDR operated within 1611 nm
– OSC operated within 1510 nm
– IROADM contain 2 amplifiers ( ingress and egress ) can be fixed or variable gain control
– attached diagram is for IROADM 20
