A DWDM infrastructure provides a graceful network evolution for carriers who need to meet their customers increasing capacity demands. Because a DWDM infrastructure can deliver the necessary capacity expansion, driving a stake in the ground with DWDM is the best place to begin the migration to newer and more powerful technology. Taking smaller steps with DWDM enables the carriers to reduce initial costs while planning for future needs.

Some industry analysts rank DWDM as the perfect technology for networks requiring more bandwidth. However, these experts have noted the conditions for this fit: a DWDM system must be scalable. Even though a carrier may install an OC-48 today with 32+ channels per fiber and it may seem as overkill, it will prove to be visionary and efficient two years hence. Thus, carriers can add bandwidth and turn on what they need when they need it. This provides them the flexibility to grow without the big hurdles every time.