The Alcatel 1686 WM is a dense wavelength division multiplexer designed to transport up to 32 bi-directional optical channels over a single pair of optical fibers. Built for metro and long-haul regional networks, it supports a range of ITU‑T G.692 compliant interfaces—spanning from 4L‑16.2 up to 32L6‑64.2—accommodating tributary signals from STM‑1 through STM‑64 or equivalent rates.
The system typically consists of two terminal stations and multiple line (slave) stations, which may act as optical amplifiers or OADM (Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer) nodes. It supports configurations such as point-to-point, linear ring, or mesh topologies, permitting insertion and extraction of up to 16 bi-directional wavelengths per OADM site. This flexible architecture is ideal for scalable DWDM deployments with intermediate wavelength drop/add capability.
Engineered for long-distance transport, the 1686 WM supports spans of up to 310 dB attenuation without regeneration thanks to high-performance optical amplifiers and optional saturation-wavelength stabilization. It offers Out-of-Band Forward Error Correction (OOB-FEC) and advanced performance monitoring—measuring error correction events and B1 channel quality—to deliver early detection of optical impairments and proactive maintenance alerts.
A suite of WaveLength Adapter (WLA) modules enables support for generic tributaries and multi-vendor systems. These include various STM‑64, STM‑16, STM‑4, and asynchronous WLA types—many offering OOB‑FEC and regeneration (2R or 3R) for high-bit-rate traffic such as Gigabit Ethernet or Fibre Channel. The system also incorporates optional Dispersion Compensation Units (DCUs) and optical regenerators to support long-span network links and ensure signal integrity.
The platform includes critical protection and safety features: Automatic Power Shutdown (APSD) to reduce optical hazards when line breaks occur, and linear and ring optical channel protection schemes to maintain service continuity. The system is managed locally via a craft terminal or centrally using Alcatel network management interfaces, and supports a supervisory Optical Supervisory Channel (OSC) for monitoring and control.
High-Density DWDM Transport
Supports up to 32 bi-directional optical channels over a single fiber pair, maximizing fiber utilization in metro and long-haul networks.
Flexible Network Architecture
Configurable for point-to-point, linear ring, and mesh topologies with support for intermediate add/drop functionality via OADM nodes.
Wide Interface Compatibility
Accepts tributary signals from STM-1 to STM-64 and supports Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and asynchronous data streams through a variety of WaveLength Adapter (WLA) modules.
Advanced Signal Conditioning
Includes options for 2R/3R regeneration, dispersion compensation units (DCUs), and long-distance optical amplification for spans up to 310 dB.
Robust Forward Error Correction
Out-of-Band Forward Error Correction (OOB-FEC) enhances transmission integrity and enables early fault detection.
Optical Protection Features
Supports linear and ring optical protection schemes and includes Automatic Power Shutdown (APSD) to mitigate risks in the event of fiber cuts.
Scalable Add/Drop Capability
Enables the insertion and extraction of up to 16 wavelengths per OADM node, supporting gradual network expansion.
Supervisory Management Channel (OSC)
Provides end-to-end management and monitoring of the optical network using a dedicated supervisory channel.
Carrier-Grade Reliability
Designed for high availability and long-term deployment in mission-critical transport environments.
Comprehensive Management Options
Manageable via local craft interface or centrally through Alcatel-Lucent’s network management platforms.
The Alcatel 1686 WM (Wavelength Multiplexer) is a Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) platform designed for high-capacity optical transport across metro, regional, and long-haul networks. It supports the transmission of up to 32 bi-directional optical channels on a single fiber pair using ITU-T G.692-compliant wavelengths. Each wavelength can carry data rates from STM-1 (155 Mbps) to STM-64 (10 Gbps), with support for various protocols including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and asynchronous interfaces via modular WaveLength Adapter (WLA) units.
The system architecture typically includes terminal stations at each end of the optical span, with optional line (or slave) stations between them. These intermediate stations can operate as optical amplifiers, OADMs (Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers), or both. Each OADM node can insert or extract up to 16 bi-directional wavelengths, enabling scalable and flexible service deployment throughout the transport path.
For long-reach and high-attenuation links, the 1686 WM supports up to 310 dB total attenuation between regeneration points. This is achieved using a combination of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), optical preamplifiers, and optional Dispersion Compensation Units (DCUs). Where needed, 2R (re-shaping and re-amplifying) or 3R (including re-timing) regeneration can be added through specific WLA modules to maintain signal integrity.
The platform includes Out-of-Band Forward Error Correction (OOB-FEC) for enhanced data integrity and fault detection, along with real-time performance monitoring of transmission quality, such as B1 errors and corrected block counts. These features support proactive maintenance and reduce downtime.
The 1686 WM also includes Automatic Power Shutdown (APSD) to minimize laser hazard risks in the event of fiber breaks. Network protection mechanisms include optical line protection and optical ring protection, ensuring service continuity even in fault scenarios.
Management is available through a local craft interface and remotely via Alcatel-Lucent’s network management systems, with control and status information exchanged through an integrated Optical Supervisory Channel (OSC). Power is supplied via redundant –48V DC feeds, and the system is typically rack-mounted in standard telecom enclosures.
| Period | Owner / Marketer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1990s – 2006 | Alcatel | Originally developed and marketed as the Alcatel 1686 WM, a wavelength division multiplexer supporting up to 32 bi‑directional STM‑64 channels over a fibre pair compliant with ITU‑T G.692. |
| 2006 – 2016 | Alcatel‑Lucent | Continued global marketing, support, and repair services under Alcatel‑Lucent for the WM platform. |
| 2016 – Present | Nokia | After Nokia’s acquisition of Alcatel‑Lucent in 2016, the 1686 WM became part of Nokia’s legacy product portfolio, with documentation, parts, and support maintained. |
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