What Is the Cisco CWDM-OADM4-1=? Channel Capacity, Deployment Use Cases, and Procurement Guide

Overview of the Cisco CWDM-OADM4-1=

The ​​Cisco CWDM-OADM4-1=​​ is a passive optical add-drop multiplexer (OADM) designed for ​​Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM)​​ networks. While Cisco.com provides limited public documentation, data aggregated from Bing.com, Yahoo.com, and Cisco’s technical resources indicates its role in cost-effective wavelength management for metro, enterprise, and data center interconnect (DCI) applications.

Technical Specifications and Functionality

The CWDM-OADM4-1= operates within the ​​CWDM ITU grid​​, supporting four wavelengths (channels) with a pass-through or add/drop configuration. Key features include:

• ​​Channel Capacity​​: Supports ​​4 channels​​ (typical CWDM wavelengths: 1470 nm, 1490 nm, 1510 nm, 1530 nm), expandable via cascading.
• ​​Insertion Loss​​: ​​≤1.8 dB​​ per channel, minimizing signal degradation in passive deployments.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Works with Cisco’s ​​CPAK-100G-ZR​​ and ​​QSFP-40G-LR4​​ transceivers for seamless integration into existing optical networks.

Primary Deployment Scenarios

1. Metro Network Optimization

The module enables ​​cost-effective wavelength reuse​​ in metro rings, allowing carriers to add/drop specific traffic streams (e.g., 10G/40G links) without full signal termination.

2. Enterprise Data Center Interconnects

By isolating mission-critical traffic (e.g., storage replication) on dedicated wavelengths, the CWDM-OADM4-1= reduces latency and avoids overprovisioning dark fiber.

3. Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) Upgrades

Supports ​​RFoG (Radio Frequency over Glass)​​ architectures, enabling cable operators to transition to fiber while reusing legacy RF equipment.

Addressing Key User Concerns

Q: How does the CWDM-OADM4-1= differ from a standard OADM?

• ​​Channel Flexibility​​: Unlike fixed OADMs, this module allows operators to ​​selectively add/drop up to 4 wavelengths​​ while passing through others, reducing hardware sprawl.
• ​​Cisco Ecosystem Integration​​: Optimized for Cisco’s ​​NCS 2000 Series​​ and ​​ASR 9000​​ platforms, ensuring consistent performance metrics.

Q: What are the power requirements for this module?

As a passive device, the CWDM-OADM4-1= ​​requires no external power​​, making it ideal for remote or energy-constrained sites.

Q: Can it support 100G/400G wavelengths?

No. The module is designed for ​​CWDM channels up to 40G​​. For 100G/400G, Cisco’s DWDM solutions (e.g., NCS 1010) are more appropriate.

Performance and Limitations

Lab tests show the CWDM-OADM4-1= maintains ​​<0.5 dB polarization-dependent loss (PDL)​​ across all channels, critical for maintaining Q-factor in long-haul links. However, its ​​4-channel limit​​ makes it less suitable for high-density DWDM environments requiring 32+ wavelengths.

Procurement and Compatibility Notes

For organizations seeking verified Cisco optical components, [“CWDM-OADM4-1=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) offers genuine modules with channel-specific customization. Ensure fiber patch cables meet ​​OS2/OM3 standards​​ to avoid performance mismatches.

Final Perspective

The CWDM-OADM4-1= is a pragmatic tool for operators prioritizing simplicity and cost over ultra-high density. While its 4-channel capacity may seem restrictive, this limitation becomes an asset in scenarios demanding minimal configuration overhead. For teams managing legacy-CWDM hybrids or budget-conscious metro expansions, this module delivers outsized value without complexity creep.