Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Nokia Optical Networking Fundamentals:

In the Nokia 1830 PSS (Photonic Service Switch) architecture, theColorless Wavelength Router (CWR)is a specialized module used within ROADM nodes to enable "colorless" add/drop capabilities. Traditional static multiplexers, like the SFD (Static Filter Device), use fixed-wavelength ports where a specific port is hard-wired to a specific frequency (color). In contrast, a CWR allows any wavelength to be added or dropped from any of its ports.

The ports on a CWR arebi-directional. This means that a single physical port on the CWR card handles both the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) paths for a specific wavelength, typically connecting to a transponder's line-side interface. This bi-directional design simplifies fiber management within the shelf and is a key requirement for the "Colorless" attribute of modern flexible grids. By utilizing CWR modules, operators can remotely retune a transponder to a different frequency without needing a technician to physically move fiber patches to a different port on a multiplexer, significantly increasing operational efficiency and reducing human error during service provisioning or restoration.