Algorithmic Approach to Selecting the Number and Parameters of Amplifiers in WDM Trunk Lines Using OptiSystem

Abstract

The article presents an algorithmic approach to determining the optimal number, placement, and parameters of optical amplifiers in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) fiber-optic transmission lines. The OptiSystem simulation environment was used to model the physical processes in the fiber, including dispersion, nonlinear effects, losses, and noise generated by EDFA amplifiers. The proposed methodology is based on a step-by-step algorithm for optimizing the power budget, gain distribution, and signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR), ensuring the required transmission quality with a minimal number of amplifiers. Simulation results show that excessive gain in one stage leads to an increase in ASE noise and degradation of the Q-factor, while the optimal gain distribution and proper EDFA placement provide the best system performance. For long-haul links, a limit of effective amplification was identified, beyond which OSNR degradation occurs, requiring additional amplifier stages or signal regeneration. The proposed approach can be applied to the design of energy-efficient WDM lines up to 1000 km long and to the development of automated optimization procedures for next-generation telecommunication systems