Alcatel WTM11AD Optical Transponder – 3DW03915DABA01

The Alcatel WTM11AD is a high‑performance optical transponder module, identified by product code 3DW03915DABA01. This pluggable unit is designed for dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems, providing tunable wavelength conversion for 10G client signals. It maps standard Ethernet, SONET/SDH, or Fibre Channel client interfaces onto ITU‑T grid wavelengths, enabling flexible and efficient optical transport over metro, regional, and long‑haul fiber networks.

Product Overview

The WTM11AD transponder integrates a tunable laser (C‑band), a high‑sensitivity receiver, and a digital signal processor with forward error correction (FEC). It accepts client signals via a pluggable SFP+ or XFP interface and retransmits them on a selected DWDM wavelength. The module supports both fixed grid (100 GHz and 50 GHz spacing) and flexible grid (flex‑grid) configurations, allowing operators to optimise spectral efficiency and accommodate channel add/drop operations.

This specific variant (3DW03915DABA01) includes extended temperature range optics and enhanced FEC for improved optical reach, making it suitable for links exceeding 80 km without external amplification.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: DWDM Optical Transponder

• Model: WTM11AD

• Part Number: 3DW03915DABA01

• Client Interfaces: 1 x SFP+ or XFP (10GBASE‑R, OC‑192/STM‑64, 10G Fibre Channel)

• Line Wavelength: C‑band tunable (1529 nm – 1565 nm), 50 GHz tuning resolution

• Line Rate: 10.709 Gbps (OTU2) with G.709 FEC

• Optical Output Power: +3 dBm (adjustable)

• Receiver Sensitivity: –24 dBm for BER 1e‑12 (with FEC)

• Reach (without amplifier): Up to 80 km (standard) and 120 km (with enhanced FEC)

• FEC: G.709 (Reed‑Solomon) and optional enhanced EFEC

• Management Interface: I²C and optical supervisory channel (OSC)

• Power Supply: +5 VDC from host shelf

• Power Consumption: 12 W typical

• Operating Temperature: –5°C to +55°C

• Dimensions: Standard MSA pluggable (transponder) format

• Compliance: ITU‑T G.692, G.709, RoHS

Key Features

• Wavelength tunability: Allows dynamic channel assignment and sparing.

• Multi‑protocol client support: Ethernet, SONET/SDH, and Fibre Channel.

• Advanced FEC: Improves link budget and extends un‑regenerated distances.

• Integrated digital diagnostics: Real‑time monitoring of laser bias, temperature, Tx/Rx power.

• Hitless wavelength tuning: Re‑routing capability without service disruption.

Deployment Scenarios

This transponder is deployed in Alcatel‑Lucent 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) and 1626 Light Manager platforms. It is used to convert grey optics (e.g., 10GBASE‑LR) from routers and switches into coloured DWDM wavelengths, enabling efficient fibre utilisation. In metro rings, it facilitates wavelength add/drop at hub sites. In long‑haul networks, multiple transponders are aggregated via optical multiplexers to fill the full spectral capacity of a single fibre pair.

The tunable feature simplifies inventory management: one module type can serve any wavelength, reducing sparing costs and provisioning delays.

Management and Maintenance

Configuration is performed via the NMS using standard TL1 commands. The module reports per‑channel performance parameters and alarms. Wavelength assignment and power settings can be adjusted remotely. Firmware upgrades are performed in‑service via the host shelf.

Reliability

MTBF exceeds 250,000 hours. The module includes redundant clock inputs and a fail‑safe laser shutdown mechanism.

Conclusion

The Alcatel WTM11AD 3DW03915DABA01 optical transponder provides a flexible, high‑performance solution for wavelength conversion in DWDM networks. Its tunability, multi‑protocol client support, and advanced FEC ensure reliable, efficient optical transport across a wide range of applications.