By enabling optical fibers to carry multiple signals, DWDM solutions allow network operators to dramatically scale outside plant capacity. DWDM technology, however, is less forgiving than previous architectures and brings new optical measurements into play.

While the traditional optical measurement tool - the optical spectrum analyzer - is complex and expensive, the WDM900 Lightwave Test Set simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting, AFL says. A health meter display shows each DWDM channel present and compares three critical operating parameters of each channel to user defined pass/fail criteria. Color coding shows which channels are operating within specified limits, and the touchscreen display makes drilling down on a suspect channel easy.The price is right for the WDM900, AFL says, noting that an operator can purchase three units for the same price they would have paid for one OSA.www.aflglobal.comSee them at Cable-Tec Expo, Booth 1200Return to the BTR Diamond Technology Reviews Elite.