The Optical Wavelength Splitter (OWS200, OWS201, OWS202, OWS203) is used to separate the various wavelengths that may be present in GPON, 10G PON, XGPON, and NGPON2 networks to measure each specific signal level. A standard optical power meter such as the OPM510 or OPM210 can then be used to measure each signal without the need to purchase a costly DWDM OPM. The optical loss of the OWS200 is typically less than 0.1dB and as a result, has a marginal influence on the measurements. Currently, all models of the OWS200 support two individual wavelengths but systems with four and eight are also possible. The user selects the model that supports the system wavelengths that they intend to measure, which determines the model of OWS200.

The OWS201 allows the technician to measure 1490nm and 1570nm in overlayed 1G and 10G networks without influence from the adjacent wavelength.

DWDM Network: DWDM and CWDM networks are used to be able to increase the amount of data that can be transmitted over a given fiber. This is accomplished by simultaneously transmitting two or more wavelengths on one fiber. The ITU grid specifies the wavelengths over the C and L Bands at an approximate spacing of 0.8nm

Conventional Measurement Method: The conventional method is to use an expensive DWDM/CWDM OPM that are very expensive. The cost of the DWDM/CWDM OPM’s prevents the provisioning of most technicians with the equipment necessary to test individual channels signal level in NGPON2 and XGPON networks.

A New Solution: The OWS200 is a cost-effective solution that allows all technicians that currently have a standard OPM to be able to measure signal levels in DWDM/CWDM networks. The OWS200 “splits” the specified wavelengths into individual ports that are then connected to a conventional OPM.