Optoelectronics, a global telecom carrier’s perspective

This paper summarises the current approaches to high speed optical transmission design. Cable & Wireless operates a large global optical transmission network, with the main purpose of serving the bandwidth market and of providing connectivity for its Internet Protocol data networks. In long haul spans, dense wavelength division multiplexed systems with aggregate capacities of 1 Tbit/s per fibre are deployed. The increase in bandwidth requirement is driving the need for more complex technologies that deliver a jump in system capacity. Emerging optoelectronic technologies are discussed, with particular focus on 40 Gb/s per wavelength transmission and optical wavelength switching.