Wavelength Division Multiplexing

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) refers to a multiplexing and transmission scheme in optical telecommunications fibers where different wavelengths, typically emitted by several lasers, are modulated independently (i.e., they carry independent information from the transmitters to the receivers). These wavelengths are then multiplexed in the transmitter by means of passive WDM filters, and likewise they are separated or demultiplexed in the receiver by means of the same filters or coherent detection that usually involves a tunable local oscillator (laser).