Theoretical analysis of the all-fiberized, dispersion-managed regenerator for simultaneous processing of WDM channels

Abstract: The concept of the all-fiberized multi-wavelength regenerator is analyzed, and the design methodology for operation at 40Gb/s is presented. The specific methodology has been applied in the past for the experimental proof-of-principle of the technique, but it has never been reported in detail. The regenerator is based on a strong dispersion map that is implemented using alternating dispersion compensating fibers (DCF) and single-mode fibers (SMF), and minimizes the nonlinear interaction between the wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) channels. The optimized regenerator design with +0.86ps/nm/km average dispersion of the nonlinear fiber section is further investigated. The specific design is capable of simultaneously processing five WDM channels with 800GHz channel spacing and providing Q-factor improvement higher than 1dB for each channel. The cascadeability of the regenerator is also indicated using a 6-node metropolitan network simulation model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]