Transmission transparency and potential convergence of optical network solutions at the physical layer for bit rates from 2.5 Gb·s-1 to 256 Gb·s-1

In this paper, we investigate optical network recommendations GPON and XG-PON with triple-play services in terms of physical reach, number of subscribers, transceiver design, modulation format and implementation cost. Despite trends to increase the bit rate from 2.5 Gb s1 to 10 Gb s1 and beyond, TDMPONs cannot cope with bandwidth requirements of future networks. TDM and WDM techniques can be combined, resulting in improved scalability. Longer physical reach can be achieved by deploying active network elements within the transmission path. We investigate these options by considering their potential coexistence at the physical layer. Subsequently, we analyse the upgrade of optical channels to 100 Gb s1 and 256 Gb s1 by using advanced modulation formats, which combine polarization division multiplexing with coherent detection and digital signal processing. We show that PDMQPSK format is suitable for 100 Gb s1 systems and PDM-16QAM is more beneficial at 256 Gb s1. Simulations are performed in the OptSim software environment

UDWDM-PON using low-cost coherent transceivers with limited tunability and heuristic DWA

A new Passive Optical Network (PON) for access, making use of Ultra Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (UDWDM) by densely spacing channels at few GHz, and introducing the “wavelength-to-the-user” concept, is proposed. The key challenge will be developing low-cost coherent transceivers, providing an excellent selectivity while avoiding filters, and furnishing high sensitivity, which will allow high splitting ratios, large number of users and long distance reach. The Optical Distribution Network (ODN) at the outside plant is based on splitters and kept compatible with legacy systems. Optical Network Unit (ONU) designs realized with coherent transceivers using one or two lasers are presented and the corresponding Optical Line Terminal (OLT) architectures are introduced. The ONUs at customer premises own lasers with limited thermal tunability and their wavelengths are randomly distributed in a band. By using heuristic Dynamic Wavelength Assignment (DWA) schemes and extending the original working band, the required optical band is obtained and optimized. In activation processes, ONU acceptances up to 99.9% are achieved. Furthermore, in operation scenario under indoors and also under outdoors environmental conditions, ONU blocking probabilities below 0.1% and ONU availability ratios (OARs) up to 99.9% are demonstrated. The PON is dimensioned according to the number of deployed users and system reach; moreover, power safety and also fiber nonlinearities constraints are evaluated, illustrating the characteristics of the projected network. Finally, the coexistence with legacy networks is discussed.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Photonic integration enabling new multiplexing concepts in optical board-to-board and rack-to-rack interconnects

New broadband applications are causing the datacenters to proliferate, raising the bar for higher interconnection speeds. So far, optical board-to-board and rack-to-rack interconnects relied primarily on low-cost commodity optical components assembled in a single package. Although this concept proved successful in the first generations of optical-interconnect modules, scalability is a daunting issue as signaling rates extend beyond 25 Gb/s. In this paper we present our work towards the development of two technology platforms for migration beyond Infiniband enhanced data rate (EDR), introducing new concepts in board-to-board and rack-to-rack interconnects. The first platform is developed in the framework of MIRAGE European project and relies on proven VCSEL technology, exploiting the inherent cost, yield, reliability and power consumption advantages of VCSELs. Wavelength multiplexing, PAM-4 modulation and multi-core fiber (MCF) multiplexing are introduced by combining VCSELs with integrated Si and glass photonics as well as BiCMOS electronics. An in-plane MCF-to-SOI interface is demonstrated, allowing coupling from the MCF cores to 340x400 nm Si waveguides. Development of a low-power VCSEL driver with integrated feed-forward equalizer is reported, allowing PAM-4 modulation of a bandwidth-limited VCSEL beyond 25 Gbaud. The second platform, developed within the frames of the European project PHOXTROT, considers the use of modulation formats of increased complexity in the context of optical interconnects. Powered by the evolution of DSP technology and towards an integration path between inter and intra datacenter traffic, this platform investigates optical interconnection system concepts capable to support 16QAM 40GBd data traffic, exploiting the advancements of silicon and polymer technologies