Advantages of low-cost, miniature, intelligent EDFAs for next-generation dynamic metro/access networks

Abstract

In this paper, the main characteristics of a low-cost, ultra-compact, and intelligent erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) are introduced and compared with those of the conventional wideband EDFAs. Several reliability concerns that might be raised regarding to the cooler-less compact EDFA are then answered. We also review the major characteristics of erbium doped waveguide amplifiers (EDWAs) and compare the performance and cost-effectiveness with the low-cost, ultra-compact, and intelligent EDFA. Meanwhile comparisons with other sorts of optical amplifiers, such as semiconductor optical amplifier/linear optical amplifier (SOA/LOA), and erbium micro fiber amplifier (EMFA), are also included. Finally we summarize the merits of using narrow band EDFAs against wideband EDFAs in metro/access networks.