Bottlenecks in next generation DWDM-based optical networks

In this paper, we discuss important issues and bottlenecks faced by the next generation dense wavelength division multiplexing-based ultra high-speed optical networks. Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) is a technique that increases the information carrying capability of optical networks by transmitting multiple channels at different wavelengths on a single fiber strand. DWDM-based optical networks promise integration of diverse multimedia services (i.e. voice, data, and video etc.). Additional channels and higher data rates result in several folds increase in the bandwidth of the network. However, several issues arise by increasing data rates on each channel and the number of channels. Nonlinear effects in fiber, erbium-doped optical amplifier noise, chromatic dispersion, and processing bottlenecks are major limitations. This paper will study these issues from an analytical point of view. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.