A VOA is configured on each wavelength path of a WSS board to adjust the____of...

A VOA (Variable Optical Attenuator) is configured on each wavelength path of a WSS (Wavelength Selective Switch) board to adjust the power of optical signals. This power adjustment is crucial to achieve flatness across channels by compensating for varying signal intensities. Without such adjustment, some wavelengths may overpower others, causing nonlinear effects and signal degradation. The VOA ensures that all wavelength channels have balanced power levels, improving signal quality and network reliability. This principle is fundamental in dense WDM networks and is emphasized in HCIP-Transmission studies focusing on optical layer signal integrity and amplification management.