Why do many optical nodes utilize two independent power supplies?

Many optical nodes utilize two independent power supplies primarily for redundancy in powering the node. This setup is crucial because it ensures that if one power supply fails, the other can seamlessly take over, thereby maintaining operation without interruption. Redundant power supplies play a vital role in enhancing the reliability of the optical network, particularly in situations where consistent service is essential.

By incorporating dual power supplies, optical nodes can safeguard against power-related issues that could lead to service disruptions, making the system more resilient overall. This design choice is particularly important in telecommunications, where uptime is critical.

While the other options touch on various aspects of power supply functionality, redundancy specifically addresses the need for continuous operation in the event of a single point of failure, which is the primary reason for this design choice in optical nodes.