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Cisco ONS 15454 DWDM Reference Manual, R8.5
78-18343-02
Chapter 10      Network Reference
10.2.3    Mesh Networks
Figure 10-6 Linear Configuration without an OADM Node
A single-span link is a type of linear configuration characterized by a single-span link with 
preamplification and post-amplification. A single-span link is also characterized by the use of two 
terminal nodes, east and west. Only unprotected traffic can be provisioned on a single-span link. 
Figure 10-7 shows ONS 15454s in a single-span link. Eight channels are carried on one span. 
Single-span link losses apply to OC-192/STM-64 LR ITU cards. The optical performance values are 
valid assuming that the sum of the OADM passive node insertion losses and the span losses does not 
exceed 35 dB.
Figure 10-7 Single-Span Link
10.2.3 Mesh Networks
A mesh network can be native or multiring. In a native mesh network (Figure 10-8), any combination of 
four-degree and eight-degree mesh nodes can work together. Four-degree mesh nodes transmit an optical 
signal in four directions, while an eight-degree mesh node transmits an optical signal in eight directions. 
For additional information about mesh nodes, see the “9.4  Configuring Mesh DWDM Networks” 
section on page 9-30. The intermediate nodes are ROADM nodes. In a mesh node, all wavelengths can 
be routed through four (four-degree mesh node) to eight (eight-degree mesh node) different optical line 
termination ports using a 40-WXC-C card without any optical-electrical-optical (OEO) regeneration. It 
is possible to combine 40-WSS-C/40-WSS-CE, 40-WXC-C, and 32WSS cards in the same mesh 
network without impacting system performance. For nodes equipped with 32WSS cards, the maximum 
system capacity is 32 channels. Terminal sites are connected to the mesh network as a spur. 
Line amplifier
96639
West terminal East terminal
OSC
OSC
Line amplifier Line amplifier
90999
West terminal East terminal
~130/150 km
OSC
OSC