NTT has demonstrated a record-breaking optical transmission capacity of 455 terabits per second (Tbps) in field conditions. This achievement utilized a 12-coupled-core fiber combined with large-scale multi-input multi-output (MIMO) signal processing. The trial took place in environments simulating real-world conditions, including rain and high winds, validating stable high-capacity performance. Over a distance of 53.5 kilometers, the system delivered 15 Tbps per wavelength across 31 wavelength channels, achieving a spatial multiplexing breakthrough.
The experiment also achieved amplified transmission over 1,017 kilometers, matching the Tokyo-Osaka backbone network, with a capacity of 389 Tbps. Researchers designed the multicore fiber to support mass production while maintaining compatibility with existing optical systems. Advanced digital signal processing compensated for environmental disturbances and ensured efficient data transmission.
Presented at the 2024 European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) in Frankfurt, this research underscores NTT’s commitment to its Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) initiative. The company aims to scale its All-Photonics Network to meet growing data demands driven by AI and mobile networks.
• Key Points:
• Stable transmission capacity of 455 Tbps demonstrated over 53.5 km under adverse field conditions.
• Long-distance transmission of 389 Tbps achieved over 1,017 km, covering key optical backbone routes.
• Used 12-coupled-core fiber compatible with existing infrastructure for mass deployment.
• MIMO technology compensated for environmental disturbances, ensuring efficient optical transmission.
• Research presented as a post-deadline paper at ECOC 2024 in Frankfurt.
“Our demonstration of stable, high-capacity transmission in a real-world environment marks a significant step forward for next-generation communications infrastructure,” said an NTT spokesperson.
