Add Capacity to HFC Networks with CWDM

In this Cable MSO application example, CWDM data channels (wavelengths) are added to a Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) network to deliver Carrier Ethernet and cell tower services. Using iConverter CWDM Multiplexers, Network Interface Devices (NIDs) and CWDM Pluggable Transceivers, new revenue-generating commercial services are added to a fiber link connecting a Distribution Hub to an HFC Fiber Node.

An iConverter 19-Module Chassis is deployed at a Distribution Hub location. iConverter GM4 NID and CWDM/X Multiplexer modules are installed in the high-density chassis. The GM4 NIDs provide demarcation for commercial services at the edge of the Cable MSO IP/Ethernet network. The NIDs also provide copper-to-fiber conversion with CWDM Small Form Pluggable (SFP) transceivers that provide the specific wavelengths required for connectivity to the channel ports on the CWDM/X multiplexer modules. The NIDs are connected to the MUX modules with fiber patch cables (color coordinated to wavelengths in the illustration). The CWDM/X MUX modules multiplex Gigabit Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs) with 1490nm and 1510nm channels over the existing 1310nm fiber that connects the Distribution Hub to the HFC Fiber Node.

A standalone CWDM/X MUX demultiplexes the two EVC channels, which are connected via fiber to a business (Carrier Ethernet commercial service) and a cell tower (4G/LTE backhaul service). Both services are terminated with iConverter GM4 NIDs that enable SLA assurance and advanced fault management.

Omnitron’s iConverter Multi-Service Platform consists of modular Ethernet Network Interface Devices (NIDs), intelligent media converters, T1 Multiplexers and CWDM Multiplexers. All these modules can be combined in a variety of chassis configurations with CWDM SFP Transceivers to deliver multiple TDM and Ethernet services over existing HFC fiber infrastructure.