Cost savings using ROADMs?
Posted by Geoff on October 26, 2005
For the cost savings using ROADMs, what is relative opex/capex savings ratio
Great question with a complex answer.
In general, ROADMs offer OPEX savings in terms of their ability to simplify planning and/or best optimize network resource utilization (i.e., allow better use of the WDM network). However, OPEX savings will be dictated by the products, the ROADM technology deployed and the scalability and flexibility offered.
Third-generation ROADMs (aka dynamic wavelength routers- DWR) can offer the ultimate in flexibility by allowing any circuit to be provisioned anywhere on the network. They provide the flexibility to be changed at any time and the scalability to support the adding, dropping and grooming of several wavelengths at every location. This can be done with the use of a wavelength selective switch. In terms of CAPEX savings, we believe this technology also offers lower cost points than previous generations of ROADMs, which have not proven economically attractive in metro networks.
