Enhancing Congestion Management in WDM Networks: A Comparative Study of ROADM Architectures

This research examines the effectiveness of Recon-figurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) technology in mitigating congestion within Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) networks, specifically focusing on a 4×4 channel configuration. Two key approaches-Wavelength Blocker (WB) and Wavelength Cross-Connect (WXC)-are assessed for their influence on network performance. Simulation results obtained through OptiSystem indicate that the WB delivers superior performance, with an average Q-factor improvement of 12% and lower Bit Error Rates (BER) compared to WXC, demonstrating its capability to provide higher signal quality and ensure error-free transmission. Both methods maintain strong optical signal integrity, as reflected in stable power levels (−13.4 dBm) and minimal noise (−46 dBm) across all wavelengths. The study further confirms that ROADMs play a crucial role in reducing congestion, enhancing throughput, and supporting network scalability, making them essential for high-demand optical networks. These results highlight the potential of ROADMs with innovative technologies to significantly improve network efficiency, especially in applications such as cloud computing and real-time services that require low latency.