Wavelength Translation Using SFP Transceivers Enables Extension of Optical-Communication Links

Optical-Electrical-Optical (OEO) wavelength translation (WT) based on small-form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers is meeting with increased interest in metro optical-network applications. It provides a flexible and low-cost solution when it interfaces with legacy optical equipment that does not support International Telecommunications Union (ITU) wavelengths. WT improves the performance of optical systems by changing the operating wavelength of the incoming optical signal to a wavelength that enables longer reach through lower attenuation or lower dispersion penalty.