IEC TR 62343-6-12:2023

Overview

IEC TR 62343-6-12:2023 is a Technical Report published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) addressing dynamic modules used in optical communication networks. This specific document, titled Dynamic modules - Part 6-12: Design guidelines - Survey results on performance specifications for 1 × N wavelength selective switches, presents the summarized results of a comprehensive industry survey focusing on performance specifications for 1 × N wavelength selective switches (WSS). The outcomes serve as a valuable reference for establishing standardized performance values and developing future standards for WSS devices within the context of IEC 62343-3-3.

Wavelength selective switches are critical components in reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs) within dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) networks. The report provides industry insights and guidance, consolidating real-world proposals and recommendations from WSS manufacturers and users.

Key Topics

The following key areas are covered in IEC TR 62343-6-12:2023:

• Survey Methodology and Scope

  • Focused on 1 × N WSS performance characteristics
  • Included 18 companies comprising both suppliers and users of WSS
  • Participants proposed specification values and additional performance items beneficial for future standardization

• Performance Specification Items
  The report evaluates and compiles responses on numerous performance parameters, including:

  • Operating wavelength range
  • Number of ports and channels
  • Channel spacing and frequency range
  • Insertion loss and its uniformity
  • Passband ripple and width (at 0.5 dB, 1 dB, 3 dB)
  • Crosstalk (adjacent, non-adjacent, total, and transient)
  • Return loss and channel blocking attenuation
  • Variable attenuation and resolution
  • Switching time and response time
  • Polarization dependent loss and mode dispersion
  • Maximum input power, storage, and operating environmental conditions

• Classification of Survey Results

  • Results are grouped into two categories, presenting a comparative analysis of industry norms and expectations
  • Highlights the range and consensus on critical performance thresholds

Applications

IEC TR 62343-6-12:2023 provides practical guidance with direct applications for:

• Manufacturers of wavelength selective switches
  Leveraging the report to benchmark product performance and align designs with industry consensus to meet global standards.
• Network equipment integrators
  Applying the performance guidelines when specifying or qualifying WSS modules for use in advanced optical networks.
• Standards developers and policymakers
  Utilizing the aggregated data and recommendations to shape more robust, universally accepted performance specification standards for WSS.
• Telecommunications network operators
  Enhancing optical network flexibility and scalability by selecting WSS modules that comply with emerging best practices.

Related Standards

IEC TR 62343-6-12:2023 references and complements several international standards crucial for the optical communications industry:

• IEC 62343:2023 - Dynamic modules – General and guidance
• IEC 62343-3-3 - Performance specification templates for wavelength selective switches
• IEC 62074-1 - Fibre optic WDM devices – Generic specifications
• IEC 61300 series - Test and measurement methods for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components
• IEC 60793-2-50 - Optical fibres – Product specifications for class B single-mode fibres
• IEC 61290-7-1 - Test methods for optical amplifiers
• ITU-T G.694.1 - Spectral grids for DWDM frequency grids

By consolidating survey results and aligning with these referenced standards, IEC TR 62343-6-12:2023 supports global harmonization and continual improvement in optical network component performance and interoperability.