Skip to main content
Published on

Overcoming the challenges of OSA measurements

Have your bandwidth needs skyrocketed, compelling you to deploy 40G or 100G coherent systems on long-haul dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) networks? These new technologies indeed provide great benefits that even go beyond “simply” boosting your bandwidth. However, they also bring about new test and measurement challenges, particularly for optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs)—test instruments that are vital to optimal DWDM system commissioning and troubleshooting. For example, some traditional OSA measurements, such as optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR), are still important with 40G/100G coherent systems, but the older measurement methods can no longer be used, because 40G/100G signals feature polarization multiplexing.

It is important to better understand and overcome the challenges of OSA measurements in 40G or 100G coherent systems. Here are some items to consider: 

  • Why an OSA is a fundamental test instrument in DWDM networks
  • Common OSA measurements in the field
  • Why a Pol-Mux OSA is required to perform OSNR measurements in 40G/100G coherent networks
  • The most appropriate test solutions on the market for accurate OSNR measurement of Pol-Mux systems

If you are looking to ensure optimal OSNR measurements on your 40G or 100G coherent systems, check out our 40G/100G OSNR Measurements with a Pol-Mux OSA whitepaper.

More insights