Maximize Fiber Utilization
Transmit multiple independent wavelength channels over the same fiber instead of installing additional fiber infrastructure.
CWDM SOLUTION
CWDM Mux Demux
Custom CWDM Mux Demux for Flexible Fiber Expansion
Combine multiple optical services over existing single-mode fiber with a passive and fully configurable CWDM Mux/Demux solution.
Overview
Expand Your Network Without Adding More Fiber
A CWDM Mux Demux combines multiple optical wavelength channels onto a common fiber and separates them again at the receiving end.
Using the 20 nm CWDM wavelength grid defined by ITU-T G.694.2, multiple independent optical links can share the same fiber infrastructure.
Because the CWDM Mux/Demux is completely passive, it requires:
No electrical power
No software configuration
No network management
Minimal maintenance
Core Value
Why This Solution
The essential value at a glance, with the complete technical context available below.
Passive & Reliable
No power supply, cooling or software configuration is required for the Mux/Demux itself.
Protocol & Data-Rate Transparent
The passive CWDM device operates at the optical wavelength layer and can transport different services and data rates when compatible CWDM optical interfaces and an adequate link budget are used.
Flexible Deployment
Configure the system for dual-fiber, single-fiber, point-to-point, ring or OADM-based network architectures.
Applications
Where It Fits
01
Fiber Capacity Expansion
Increase the number of optical connections over existing fiber infrastructure without deploying additional fiber cables.
Typical scenario:
Multiple switches
↓
CWDM Transceivers
↓
CWDM Mux
↓
Existing Fiber
↓
CWDM Demux
↓
Remote Network Equipment
02
Metro & Access Networks
Aggregate multiple optical services between:
POP locations
Telecom access sites
Buildings
Remote facilities
Aggregation nodes
CWDM is particularly useful where fiber availability is limited.
03
Campus & Enterprise Networks
Connect multiple buildings or network locations using existing single-mode fiber while keeping individual optical services logically independent.
04
Data Center Interconnection
Increase fiber utilization between facilities or network areas where additional fiber installation is difficult or expensive.
05
Telecom Networks
CWDM Mux/Demux can be integrated with CWDM transceivers and OADMs to build point-to-point and ring network architectures.
How to Configure
Build the Right Configuration
Follow the selection path. Final optical values are confirmed against the approved project configuration.
Channels
2 / 4 / 8 / 16 / 18 or customized channel plan
Wavelength
1271–1611 nm
Fiber
Dual Fiber / Single Fiber
Connector
LC/UPC / LC/APC / SC/UPC / SC/APC / Customized
Housing
ABS / LGX / Plug-in Module / 1U Rack Mount / Customized
Design Focus
20 nm CWDM Wavelength Grid
- 18
- Channel positions
- 1271–1611 nm
- Wavelength range
- 20 nm
- Channel spacing
- 1271nm
- 1291nm
- 1311nm
- 1331nm
- 1351nm
- 1371nm
- 1391nm
- 1411nm
- 1431nm
- 1451nm
- 1471nm
- 1491nm
- 1511nm
- 1531nm
- 1551nm
- 1571nm
- 1591nm
- 1611nm
Technical Specifications
Verified Configuration Data
Complete source parameters are retained here for detailed evaluation.
One Platform. Your Configuration.
Instead of selecting from dozens of fixed product numbers, configure the device according to your actual network.
| Configuration | Available Options |
|---|---|
| Channels | 2 / 4 / 8 / 16 / 18 or customized channel plan |
| CWDM Wavelengths | 1271–1611 nm |
| Channel Spacing | 20 nm |
| Fiber Configuration | Dual Fiber / Single Fiber |
| Channel Selection | Consecutive or selected wavelengths |
| Optional Port | Monitor Port, Expansion Port, 1310nm Port |
| Connector | LC/UPC / LC/APC / SC/UPC / SC/APC / Customized |
| Fiber Type | Single-mode |
| Housing | ABS / LGX / Plug-in Module / 1U Rack Mount / Customized |
| Technology | Thin-Film Filter (TFF) |
| Port Label | Customized |
| Product Label | AERECH / OEM |
| Packaging | Standard / OEM |
Network Architecture
See the Signal Path
Switch between the documented deployment patterns to understand component placement and traffic flow.
Site ACWDM Mux / Demux
Tx · A → B
Tx · B → A
Dedicated fiber pairSite BCWDM Mux / Demux
A → B trafficB → A trafficFiber pair
Site ACWDM Mux / Demux
Single Fiber
Matched A / B wavelength arrangementSite BCWDM Mux / Demux
Bidirectional traffic on one fiberMatched endpoint pair
Site ACWDM Mux / Demux
CWDM Trunk
Intermediate SiteOADMAddDrop
Pass-Through
Site BCWDM Mux / Demux
Trunk wavelengthsAdd / Drop channelPass-through wavelengths
Architecture notes and source diagrams
Network Architecture
For a dual-fiber CWDM system, separate fibers are normally used for the two traffic directions.
For a single-fiber CWDM system, bidirectional traffic shares one fiber.
The two ends use complementary wavelength arrangements, so Side A and Side B must be configured as a matched pair.
Single-fiber insertion loss depends on the number of channels and wavelength-pairing design and is specified with the final configuration.
Add or Drop Wavelengths Along the Route
CWDM with OADM
Not every wavelength has to terminate at the same location.
A CWDM Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer can extract selected channels at an intermediate site while other wavelengths continue through the network.
This architecture is suitable for multi-site access and ring networks.
Technical Library
Go Deeper When You Need To
Detailed engineering context is preserved without interrupting the main selection journey.
Why Use CWDM?
Get More Capacity from Existing Fiber
Maximize Fiber Utilization
Transmit multiple independent wavelength channels over the same fiber instead of installing additional fiber infrastructure.
Passive & Reliable
No power supply, cooling or software configuration is required for the Mux/Demux itself.
Protocol & Data-Rate Transparent
The passive CWDM device operates at the optical wavelength layer and can transport different services and data rates when compatible CWDM optical interfaces and an adequate link budget are used.
Flexible Deployment
Configure the system for dual-fiber, single-fiber, point-to-point, ring or OADM-based network architectures.
Easy to Expand
Optional expansion and pass-through ports can provide additional flexibility for future network growth.
Build a Complete CWDM Solution
A CWDM Mux/Demux is one part of the optical system.
AERECH can also provide the optical components required to build the complete connection.
CWDM Optical Transceivers
Wavelength-specific optical modules for connecting switches, routers and other network equipment to the CWDM system.
CWDM OADM
Add or drop selected wavelengths at intermediate network locations.
DWDM Mux Demux
Higher-density wavelength multiplexing for applications requiring more channels within a narrower spectral range.
Fiber Patch Cords
Single-mode patch cords with multiple connector and fiber options.
Quality Control
From Inspection to Packaging
1Incoming Inspection
2Assembly
3Optical Spectrum Test
4IL / RL Test
5Isolation Test
6Port Verification
7End-Face Inspection
8Final Inspection
9Packaging
FAQ
Questions Before Selection
Open a question for the complete answer from the supplied product documentation.
What is the difference between single-fiber and dual-fiber CWDM?
Dual-fiber CWDM uses separate fibers for transmit and receive. Single-fiber CWDM carries bidirectional traffic over one fiber using matched wavelength pairs.
Does a CWDM Mux Demux require power?
No. It is a completely passive device and requires no power supply or software configuration.
What data rates can CWDM support?
The Mux/Demux is protocol and data-rate transparent. Supported rates depend on the optical transceivers and overall link budget.
What is a monitor port?
A monitor port taps a small portion of the optical signal for power or spectrum monitoring without interrupting traffic.
What is an expansion port?
An expansion port allows additional wavelength channels or another WDM system to be added to the existing network.
Can I add a 1310 nm pass-through port?
Yes. However, it may limit the use of nearby CWDM wavelengths, so the complete wavelength plan should be confirmed first.
How do I calculate the transmission distance?
Transmission distance depends on the transceiver link budget, fiber loss, Mux/Demux insertion loss, connector loss and engineering margin.
Can the CWDM Mux Demux be customized?
Yes. Channel count, wavelengths, fiber configuration, connectors, special ports, housing, labels and packaging can all be customized.
Project Support
Send Your RequirementsNeed a CWDM Configuration for Your Network?
You Don't Need to Know the Exact Part Number. Send us your network requirements and we can help determine the appropriate CWDM configuration.