1G/2.5G/4G/8G/10G/12G Multi-Rate DWDM Industrial Grade Modules

In scenarios such as 5G fronthaul, metro aggregation, data center interconnect (DCI), and private networks, network equipment often faces harsh environments including extreme temperatures and strong electromagnetic interference, while also needing to carry services at multiple rates and protocols. How can high-capacity, long-distance, and highly reliable transmission be achieved over a single fiber? C-LIGHT’s multi-rate DWDM industrial grade modules provide the answer.

Based on SFP/SFP+ form factors, this series supports adaptive rates of 1G/2.5G/4G/8G/10G/12G. Combined with C-band dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) technology, it can simultaneously transmit dozens of wavelength channels, easily achieving hundreds of gigabits per fiber. More importantly, it offers an ultra-wide industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, truly meeting the demanding deployment requirements of outdoor cabinets, cell site edges, and other harsh environments.

1. Product Overview

C-LIGHT’s multi-rate DWDM industrial grade modules cover SFP, SFP+, XFP, and other package types, with data rates ranging from 1G to 12G (actual support from 1.25Gbps to 10.7Gbps). They are compatible with Gigabit Ethernet, 2.5G OTN, 4G/8G/16G Fibre Channel, 10GE LAN/WAN, and 12G SDI video transmission protocols. The modules integrate Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) circuits to effectively reduce high-speed signal jitter and ensure long-distance transmission quality.

On the DWDM side, the modules comply with ITU-T G.694.1, supporting C-band 50GHz or 100GHz channel spacing. Each module can be fixed to a specific DWDM wavelength, or a tunable version (Tunable DWDM) can be used to software-configure up to 96 wavelengths. Transmission distances cover 40km, 80km, 100km, and 120km, with optimized models (e.g., 30dB, 26dB power budget versions) for different link budgets.

2. Key Features

3. Technical Highlights

3.1 One Module, Multiple Rates, Simplified Spares Management
Traditional optical modules typically support only one fixed rate (e.g., 10G). C-LIGHT’s multi-rate DWDM modules adaptively operate from 1.25G to 10.7G. This means operators can purchase a single model for 1G Ethernet uplinks, 2.5G OTN, 8G FC storage networks, or 10G data links, greatly reducing spare part types and inventory costs.

3.2 Industrial-Grade “Metal Shell” Design, Withstanding -40°C to 95°C
Standard commercial-grade modules (0~70°C) are prone to bit errors, failures, or even damage in outdoor cabinets during summer or in freezing regions. C-LIGHT’s industrial-grade version uses wide-temperature-selected lasers, TIAs, and driver chips, and undergoes high/low temperature burn-in screening. The module case can withstand up to 95°C. In practice, it can be reliably deployed in outdoor RRU/AAU units, power towers, traffic tunnels, and other non-air-conditioned environments.

3.3 Tunable DWDM Technology – The Optimal Solution for 5G Fronthaul
For scenarios requiring flexible wavelength scheduling (e.g., 5G fronthaul WDM-PON), C-LIGHT offers 10G/12G tunable SFP+ modules. The network management system can remotely adjust the module’s transmit wavelength to any C-band channel via the I²C interface, eliminating the need to physically replace the optical module. This not only reduces spare part types but also enables automatic wavelength configuration and rapid reconfiguration after faults.

3.4 Self-Developed Optical Chip and Full Industry Chain Support
C-LIGHT masters the complete technology chain from tunable lasers (TOSA) to module design and firmware development, and has launched over 1,000 optical module solutions. The DWDM series is compatible with more than 100 global equipment brands, having passed strict compatibility tests to ensure plug-and-play operation.

4. Typical Application Scenarios

4.1 5G Fronthaul Networks
In 5G C-RAN architecture, high-bandwidth, low-latency fronthaul links are required between the DU and multiple AAUs. C-LIGHT’s industrial-grade DWDM modules can be installed directly in outdoor cabinets on the AAU side, carrying multiple eCPRI/CPRI signals at different rates (e.g., 1G/10G mixed) over a single fiber. Combined with passive or semi-active wavelength division multiplexers, they enable dense base station access.

4.2 Data Center Interconnect (DCI)
When data centers are 80–120 km apart, traditional 10G gray optical modules cannot meet capacity demands. Using C-LIGHT DWDM modules, over 40 wavelengths can be multiplexed per fiber pair, easily achieving 400G–800G interconnect bandwidth, while supporting mixed rates (e.g., 1G for management network on some channels, 10G for services on others).

4.3 Power/Transportation Private Communication Networks
Power substations and railway lines experience severe temperature variations and often require unified multi-service carriage (protection relays, SCADA, video surveillance, etc.). C-LIGHT’s industrial-grade modules, combined with OSN/MSTP equipment, enable 2.5G/4G/8G hybrid WDM, meeting the high reliability and long-distance requirements of power communication networks.

4.4 Video and Broadcast Transmission
12G-SDI ultra-high-definition video signals require uncompressed transmission over tens of kilometers. C-LIGHT’s 12G DWDM module supports 12.5Gbps bit rate, complies with SMPTE ST 297, and can be directly integrated into broadcast-grade optical transport platforms to achieve WDM of multiple 4K/8K video streams.

5. Service and Support

C-LIGHT provides the following for all DWDM industrial grade modules:

• 3-year warranty, lifetime maintenance

• Free technical support (including selection consulting, compatibility verification, fault diagnosis)

• Customization services – firmware adjustments, alarm threshold modifications, custom labeling and coding

• Fast delivery – standard modules ship within 3–5 working days; tunable modules within 2 weeks

From 1G to 12G, from -40°C to 95°C, from fixed wavelength to full C-band tunability – C-LIGHT’s multi-rate DWDM industrial grade modules solve the three major pain points of traditional WDM systems: fixed rates, harsh environments, and complex wavelength configuration, all in a single flexible, robust optical module. Whether you are building next-generation 5G fronthaul networks or upgrading metro transport infrastructure, C-LIGHT is a trustworthy domestic-brand partner.