Ultrahigh-speed optical communications technology combining digital signal processing and circuit technology

Abstract

This article introduces ultrahigh-speed optical communications technology that achieves the optical transport networks needed to support an advanced information society. Most data traffic is carried on the Ethernet; 400G Ethernet has recently been standardized, and discussions have also started on standardizing signal speeds in excess of 1 Tbit/s. This technology is used to economically transmit high-speed client signals such as Ethernet signals on optical fiber networks. The combination of advanced digital signal processing and ultrahigh-speed circuit technology can greatly improve the speed and quality of optical signals and is expected to result in cost-efficient ultrahigh-speed optical communications at rates in excess of 1 Tbit/s per channel.