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Datacom's DM4920 DWDM platform continues to evolve and consolidate itself as one of the most comprehensive optical transport solutions on the market. Now, with the latest operating system updates, the device supports two strategic features that further increase performance, autonomy, and network visibility: a Raman amplifier and an embedded micro-OTDR.

Embedded Micro-OTDR: Direct Diagnostics on the Management Port

The Micro-OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) is a new embedded feature that expands the DM4920's diagnostic capabilities. This new feature is housed in a pluggable SFP module (DM-SFP100-OTDR-OSC-100) installed on the OSC management port, simultaneously performing both the supervision channel and OTDR functions.

Main features:

• Measures the distance to the point of fiber breakage or serious discontinuity in the optical link.
• Measurement range of up to 100 km, with accurate fault detection up to approximately 80 km.
• Ideal for accelerating maintenance and troubleshooting processes, with direct control via the DmOS CLI.

Note: This does not replace a traditional OTDR for detailed analysis, but it offers excellent accuracy in identifying the main link fault, such as breaks.

This functionality is ideal for providers who want continuous visibility into link integrity without relying on physical movement or external instruments.

Example:

R10-NB Raman Amplifier: Extended Range with Higher OSNR

Another notable new feature is the addition of the R10-NB Raman Amplifier module, which provides a 10 dB gain in the optical link power budget. It is ideal for applications where extreme fiber range and signal quality (OSNR) are critical.

What changes in practice:

• For links with a loss of 0.2 dB/km, the maximum range increases from ~170 km to ~220 km when adding Raman to the EDFA amplifier array.
• The gain is not only in distance but also in signal quality, as Raman improves the signal-to-noise ratio by amplifying the signal along the fiber itself, before it reaches the receiver.

This solution is especially suitable for long-distance backbones, interconnections between remote POPs, and critical links that require superior performance.

Continuous Evolution, Close Support

At Datacom, product development doesn't stop with the first version. The DM4920 is a clear example of this philosophy: a robust, modular, and scalable DWDM platform that adapts to the customer's technical maturity and project complexity over time.

Designed with a pay-as-you-grow architecture, the DM4920 allows you to start with basic configurations and grow as needed, adding new boards and features—such as 400G transponders, EDFA or Raman amplifiers, optical switches, and even embedded OTDRs—all in a single, compact 2U chassis.

With direct technical support from the manufacturer, specialized pre-sales teams, and technical training via distance learning or in-person, Datacom ensures that each customer is ready to operate high-capacity optical networks safely and autonomously.

For more technical information, customized proposals, or project support, contact our sales team. And to stay up to date with more news like this, follow our digital channels and subscribe to Datacom's YouTube channel.