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Insights

March 13, 2024

Transceivers in the Time of TowerCos

A recent report from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) declared that 37% of the global…

A recent report from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) declared that 37% of the global population still lacks internet access due to infrastructure deficits. In this context, Tower Companies (TowerCos) will be crucial in expanding network coverage, particularly in underserved areas.

Tower Companies (TowerCos) are entities specializing in managing “passive” mobile infrastructure. In other words, they manage everything that is not active equipment that emits a mobile signal. The TowerCo’s primary role is to host telecommunications antennas for multiple operators, facilitating more efficient mobile deployments. This concept allows telecom operators to focus on active network management while TowerCos handles the maintenance, access, and security of passive infrastructures like towers and power supplies.

Historically, telecom companies managed every aspect of their service delivery, including the ownership of towers. However, increasing capital expenditure costs and the need for rapid expansion in network coverage have motivated operators to outsource this infrastructure to TowerCos. In this way, operators can reduce the required capital expenditure on infrastructure and move that into their operating costs

The increasing bandwidth demands of 5G networks and data centers, prompted by new Internet-of-Things and artificial intelligence use cases, have further solidified the importance of TowerCos. A 2018 McKinsey study reported that the migration to 5G could double the total cost of ownership of a telecommunications company’s infrastructure by 2020 to 2025.

To adapt to this fast expansion of TowerCos worldwide, optical transceiver developers should consider what are the key requirements for products that will go into TowerCo infrastructure. In this article, EFFECT Photonics would like to highlight three of them: integration, remote diagnostics and management, and industrial hardening.

Integration for Compactness and Power Efficiency

Space and energy efficiency are critical for TowerCo infrastructure because they want to accommodate telecom equipment from multiple operators on the same structure. Greater photonics integration will be key to reducing the footprint of transceivers and other optical telecom equipment, as well as improving their power efficiency.

In many electronic and photonic devices, the interconnections between different components are often sources of losses and inefficiency. A more compact, integrated device will have shorter and more energy-efficient interconnections. Using an example from electronics, Apple’s system-on-chip processors fully integrate all electronic processing functions on a single chip. As shown in the table below, these processors are significantly more energy efficient than the previous generations of Apple processors.

𝗠𝗮𝗰 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹	𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
𝗠𝗮𝗰 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹	𝗜𝗱𝗹𝗲	𝗠𝗮𝘅
2023, M2	7	5
2020, M1	7	39
2018, Core i7	20	122
2014, Core i5	6	85
2010, Core 2 Duo	10	85
2006, Core Solo or Duo	23	110
2005, PowerPC G4	32	85
Table 1: Comparing the power consumption of a Mac Mini with an M1 and M2 SoC chips to previous generations of Mac Minis. [Source: Apple’s website]

The photonics industry can set a similar goal to Apple’s system-on-chip. By integrating all the optical components (lasers, detectors, modulators, etc.) on a single chip can minimize the losses and make devices such as optical transceivers more compact and efficient.

Remote Diagnostics and Management

Transceivers used in TowerCo infrastructures must also include advanced diagnostic and management features. These capabilities are essential for remote sites, enabling TowerCos and their telecom operators customers to monitor and manage their networks effectively.

For example, TowerCos and operators extensively use network function virtualization (NFV) capabilities. NFV allows operator customers to build their network on the shared infrastructure as well as determine and distribute their services. These technologies benefit greatly from smart transceivers that can be diagnosed and managed remotely from the NFV layer.

The concept of zero-touch provisioning becomes useful here. Transceivers can be pre-programmed by the central office for specific operational parameters, such as temperature, wavelength drift, dispersion, and signal-to-noise ratio. They can then be shipped to remote sites, where technicians just have to plug and play. This simplifies deployment for TowerCos.

Figure 2: Short description and comparison of different approaches to wavelength tuning in optical transceivers, with the last one on the right being the self-tuning module.

Moreover, the same communication channels used for provisioning can also facilitate ongoing monitoring and diagnostics. This feature particularly benefits remote sites, where traditional maintenance methods like truck rolls are costly and inefficient. By remotely monitoring key metrics like transceiver temperature and power, TowerCos and operator customers can conduct health checks and manage their infrastructure more efficiently.

Industrial Hardening

Transceivers in TowerCo infrastructures must be designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments. The resilience of these components is critical for maintaining continuous network service and preventing downtime, especially in remote or challenging locations.

Commercial temperature (C-temp) transceivers are designed to operate from 0°C to 70°C. These transceivers suit the controlled environments of data center and network provider equipment rooms. These rooms have active temperature control, cooling systems, filters for dust and other particulates, airlocks, and humidity control. On the other hand, industrial temperature (I-temp) transceivers are designed to withstand more extreme temperature ranges, typically from -40°C to 85°C. These transceivers are essential for deployments in outdoor environments or locations with harsh operating conditions. It could be at the top of an antenna, on mountain ranges, inside traffic tunnels, or in the harsh winters of Northern Europe.

𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱	𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 (°𝗖)
𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱	𝗠𝗶𝗻	𝗠𝗮𝘅
Commercial (C-temp)	0	70
Extended (E-temp)	-20	85
Industrial (I-temp)	-40	85
Automotive / Full Military	-40	125
Table 2: Comparing the temperature ranges of different temperature hardening standards, including industrial and automotive/full military applications.

Takeaways

TowerCos will be vital in expanding network coverage across the world and meeting the increasing demands of 5G networks. In this context, EFFECT Photonics believes that optical transceiver products that go into TowerCo infrastructure must meet the following key requirements

Integration for compactness and power efficiency
Advanced remote diagnostics and management features
Industrial hardening for durability in harsh environments.

These aspects will be crucial for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective network deployment and maintenance and will support TowerCos in making optical connectivity more accessible worldwide.

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Tags: 5G Networks, artificial intelligence, capital expenditure costs, data centers, EFFECT Photonics, efficient mobile deployments, Industrial Hardening, infrastructure deficits, integration, internet access, Internet of Things, key requirements, network coverage, optical transceiver developers, passive mobile infrastructure, rapid expansion, remote diagnostics, telecommunications antennas, TowerCo infrastructure, TowerCos, Transceivers, underserved areas

Insights

March 6, 2024

Reducing the Cost per Bit in Access Networks

Every telecommunications provider has the same fundamental problem. Many decades ago, service providers addressed increased…

Every telecommunications provider has the same fundamental problem. Many decades ago, service providers addressed increased network demands by spending more money and buying more hardware. However, network operators cannot allow their infrastructure spending to increase exponentially with network traffic, because the number of customers and the prices they are willing to pay for mobile services will not increase so steeply. The chart below is one that everyone in the communications industry is familiar with one way or another.

Figure 1. Graphical depiction of the fundamental telecommunications cost problem. Traffic volume increases exponentially, but operator revenues do not. Therefore, operators cannot allow their costs to increase exponentially to meet the traffic demand.

Given this context, reducing the cost per bit transmitted in a network is one of the fundamental mandates of telecommunication providers. As the global appetite for data grows exponentially, fueled by streaming services, cloud computing, and an ever-increasing number of connected devices, the pressure mounts on these providers to manage and reduce this cost.

In access networks, where the end users connect to the main network, this concept takes on an added layer of importance. These networks are the final link in the data delivery chain and are expensive to upgrade and maintain due to the sheer volume of equipment and devices required to reach each end user.

This is why one of EFFECT Photonics’ main missions is to use our optical solutions to reduce the cost per bit in access networks. In this article, we will briefly explain three key pillars that will allow us to achieve this goal.

Manufacturing at Scale

Previously, deploying optical technology required investing in large and expensive transponder equipment on both sides of the optical link. The rise of integrated photonics has not only reduced the footprint and energy consumption of coherent transceivers but also their cost. The economics of scale principles that rule the semiconductor industry reduce the cost of optical chips and the transceivers that use them.

The more optical components we can integrate into a single chip, the more can the price of each component decrease. The more optical System-on-Chip (SoC) devices can go into a single wafer, the more can the price of each SoC decrease. Researchers at the Technical University of Eindhoven and the JePPIX consortium have done some modelling to show how this economy of scale principle would apply to photonics. If production volumes can increase from a few thousands of chips per year to a few millions, the price per optical chip can decrease from thousands of Euros to mere tens of Euros.

Figure 5: Modelling of photonic integrated chip (PIC) cost as a function of aggregate number of PICs produced per year. Exponential increases in production lead to an exponential decrease in cost. Source: Model and graph provided by Prof. Meint Smit, TU Eindhoven. — Figure 2: Modelling of photonic integrated chip (PIC) cost as a function of aggregate number of PICs produced per year. Exponential increases in production lead to an exponential decrease in cost. Source: Model and graph provided by Prof. Meint Smit, TU Eindhoven.

By integrating all optical components on a single chip, we also shift the complexity from the assembly process to the much more efficient and scalable semiconductor wafer process. Assembling and packaging a device by interconnecting multiple photonic chips increases assembly complexity and costs. On the other hand, combining and aligning optical components on a wafer at a high volume is much easier, which drives down the device’s cost.

Integration Saves Power (and Energy)

Data centers and 5G networks might be hot commodities, but the infrastructure that enables them runs even hotter. Electronic equipment generates plenty of heat, and the more heat energy an electronic device dissipates, the more money and energy must be spent to cool it down.

These issues do not just affect the environment but also the bottom lines of communications companies. Cooling costs will increase even further with the exponential growth of traffic and the deployment of 5G networks. Integration is vital to reduce this heat dissipation and costs.

Photonics and optics are trying to follow a similar blueprint to the electronics industry and improve their integration to reduce power consumption and its associated costs. For example, over the last decade, coherent optical systems have been miniaturized from big, expensive line cards to small pluggables the size of a large USB stick. These compact transceivers with highly integrated optics and electronics have shorter interconnections, fewer losses, and more elements per chip area. These features all lead to a reduced power consumption over the last decade, as shown in the figure below.

Figure 4: Coherent module size and power consumption evolution from OIF MSA line card modules to pluggable modules like CFP and QSFP. — Figure 3: Coherent module size and power consumption evolution from OIF MSA line card modules to pluggable modules like CFP and QSFP.

DWDM Gives More Lanes to the Fiber Highway

Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is an optical technology that dramatically increases the amount of data transmitted over existing fiber networks. Data from various signals are separated, encoded on different wavelengths, and put together (multiplexed) in a single optical fiber.

The wavelengths are separated again and reconverted into the original digital signals at the receiving end. In other words, DWDM allows different data streams to be sent simultaneously over a single optical fiber without requiring the expensive installation of new fiber cables. In a way, it’s like adding more lanes to the information highway without building new roads!

Optical fiber with DWDM Channels — Figure 4: Example of a bidirectional DWDM system. At the central office, transceiver modules pick different wavelength channels for transmission, and these channels are combined into a single fiber through a device called a multiplexer. A demultiplexer splits the wavelength channels into separate fibers and the receiving modules on the remote end. Since this is a bidirectional system, transmission can go opposite too, from the remote end to the central office.

The tremendous expansion in data volume afforded with DWDM can be seen compared to other optical methods. A standard transceiver, often called a grey transceiver, is a single-channel device – each fiber has a single laser source. You can transmit 10 Gbps with grey optics. Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) has multiple channels, although far fewer than possible with DWDM. For example, with a 4-channel CWDM, you can transmit 40 Gbps. DWDM can accommodate up to 100 channels. You can transmit 1 Tbps or one trillion bps at that capacity – 100 times more data than grey optics and 25 times more than CWDM.

While the upgrade to DWDM requires some initial investment in new and more tunable transceivers, the use of this technology ultimately reduces the cost per bit transmitted to the network. Demand in access networks will continue to grow as we move toward IoT and 5G, and DWDM will be vital to scaling cost-effectively. Self-tuning modules have also helped further reduce the expenses associated with tunable transceivers.

Takeaways

The escalating demand for data traffic requires reducing the cost per bit in access networks. EFFECT Photonics outlines three ways that can help achieve this goal:

Manufacturing at scale to reduce the cost of optical chips and transceivers
Photonic integration to lower power consumption and save on cooling cost
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) to significantly increase data transmission capacity without deploying new fiber

At EFFECT Photonics believes these technologies and strategies to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and scalable data transmission for the future.

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Tags: 5G Networks, access networks, communications industry, cost per bit, data transmission capacity, Dense-wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), EFFECT Photonics, fiber networks, heat dissipation, infrastructure spending, Integrated Photonics, manufacturing at scale, mobile services, network demands, network traffic, Optical Chips, Optical solutions, Photonics, reducing, Semiconductor Industry, System-on-Chip (SoC) devices, telecommunications provider

Insights

February 21, 2024

Why (Small) Laser Size Matters

Several applications in the optical network edge would benefit from upgrading from 10G to 100G…

Several applications in the optical network edge would benefit from upgrading from 10G to 100G DWDM or from 100G grey to 100G DWDM optics:

Business Services could scale their enterprise bandwidth beyond single-channel 100G links.
Fixed Access links could upgrade the uplinks of existing termination devices such as optical line terminals (OLTs) and Converged Cable Access Platforms (CCAPs) from 10G to 100G DWDM.
Mobile Midhaul benefits from a seamless upgrade of existing links from 10G to 100G DWDM.
Mobile Backhaul benefits from upgrading their linksto 100G IPoDWDM.

The 100G coherent pluggables for these applications will have very low power consumption (less than 6 Watts) and QSFP28 form factors that are slightly smaller than a typical 400G QSFP-DD transceiver. To enable this next generation of coherent pluggables, the next generation of tunable lasers needs to reach another level of optical and electronic integration.

The Impact of Small and Integrated Lasers

Laser miniaturization and integration is not merely a matter of size; it’s also vital to enhance the power efficiency of these lasers. Below are some examples of the ways small lasers can improve energy efficiency.

Lower Operating Voltage and Currents: Smaller, highly-integrated laser designs normally require lower threshold voltages and currents than larger lasers.
Improved Heat Dissipation: Compact designs reduce the distances light must travel inside the laser chip. This leads to fewer optical losses and heat dissipation.
Fewer Coupling Losses: One of the hardest things to do in photonics is coupling between free-space optics and a chip. Highly integrated lasers combine multiple functions on a single chip and avoid this kind of coupling and its associated losses.

Photonic integration is vital to achieve these size and power consumption reductions. The more components can be integrated on a single chip, the more can losses be minimized and the more efficient the optical transceiver can become.

The Past Successes and Future Challenges of Laser Integration

Over the last decade, technological progress in tunable laser integration has matched the need for smaller footprints. In 2011, tunable lasers followed the multi-source agreement (MSA) for integrable tunable laser assemblies (ITLAs). By 2015, tunable lasers were sold in the more compact micro-ITLA form factor, constituting a mere 22% of the original ITLA package volume. In 2019, the nano-ITLA form factor reduced ITLA volumes further, as the module was just 39% of the micro-ITLA volume.

Figure 1: Evolution of tunable laser form factors for coherent optics (2011-2021). Figure inspired from a picture in Laser Focus World.

Despite this progress, the industry will need further laser integration for the QSFP28 pluggables used in 100G ZR coherent access. Since QSFP28 pluggables have a lower power consumption and slightly smaller footprint than QSFP-DD modules, they should not use the same lasers as in QSFP-DD modules. They need specialized laser solutions with a smaller footprint and lower power consumption.

Figure 2: Comparison between QSFP-DD and QSFP-28 form factors for 100G applications.

Achieving these ambitious targets requires monolithic lasers that ideally include all key laser functions (gain, laser cavity, and wavelength locker) on the same chip.

Pushing Tunable Laser Sizes Further Down

Reducing the footprint of tunable lasers in the future will need even greater integration of their parts. For example, every tunable laser needs a wavelength locker component that can stabilize the laser’s output regardless of environmental conditions such as temperature. Integrating the wavelength locker component on the laser chip instead of attaching it externally would help reduce the laser package’s footprint and power consumption.

EFFECT Photonics’ laser solution is unique because it enables a widely tunable laser for which all its functions, including the wavelength locker, are monolithically integrated on a single chip. This setup is ideal for reducing power consumption and scaling into high production volumes.

This monolithic integration of all tunable laser functions allowed EFFECT Photonics to develop a novel pico-ITLA (pITLA) module that will become the world’s smallest ITLA for coherent applications. The pITLA is the next step in tunable laser integration, including all laser functions in a package with just 20% of the volume of a nano-ITLA module. The figure below shows that even a standard matchstick dwarves the pITLA in size.

Figure 6: Volume reduction of ITLA form factors for coherent optics (2011-2023). A match of roughly 4cm in length is included for scale. — Figure 3: Volume reduction of ITLA form factors for coherent optics (2011-2023). A match of roughly 4cm in length is included for scale.

Takeaways

The impact of small and integrated lasers extends beyond mere size considerations; it crucially contributes to enhancing power efficiency. Smaller laser designs inherently operate at lower voltages and currents, offering improved heat dissipation and minimizing coupling losses. Photonic integration emerges as a pivotal factor in achieving these reductions, maximizing efficiency by consolidating multiple functions onto a single chip.

The journey towards 100G coherent technology in access networks requires compact and power-efficient coherent pluggables in the QSFP28 form factor and, with it, compact and power-efficient tunable lasers that fit this form factor. EFFECT Photonics is contributing a new step in this integration and miniaturization process with its pico-ITLA module. With a volume 20% that of a nano-ITLA module, the pITLA not only meets ambitious targets but also exemplifies the continuous push towards achieving compact, efficient, and scalable tunable lasers for the optical networking edge.

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Tags: 100G Grey, 10G to 100G DWDM, Business services, Coherent pluggables, Converged Cable Access Platforms, EFFECT Photonics, Enterprise Bandwidth, Fixed Access Links, IPoDWDM, Laser Size, Mobile Backhaul, Mobile Midhaul, Optical Line Terminals, Optical Network Edge, Photonics Integration, Pico-ITLA Module, power consumption, QSFP28 Form Factors, Single-channel 100G Links, tunable lasers, Uplinks

Insights

February 7, 2024

What is Laser Linewidth and Why Does it Matter

The world is moving towards tunability. The combination of tunable lasers and dense wavelength division…

The world is moving towards tunability. The combination of tunable lasers and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) allows the datacom and telecom industries to expand their network capacity without increasing their existing fiber infrastructure. Furthermore, the miniaturization of coherent technology into pluggable transceiver modules has enabled the widespread implementation of IP over DWDM solutions. Self-tuning algorithms have also made DWDM solutions more widespread by simplifying installation and maintenance. Hence, many application cases—metro transport, data center interconnects, and —are moving towards tunable pluggables.

The tunable laser is a core component of all these tunable communication systems, both direct detection and coherent. The laser generates the optical signal modulated and sent over the optical fiber. Thus, the purity and strength of this signal will have a massive impact on the bandwidth and reach of the communication system.

What is laser linewidth?

Coherent systems encode information in the phase of the light, and the purer the light source is, the more information it can transmit. An ideal, perfectly pure light source can generate a single, exact color of light. However, real-life lasers are not pure and will generate light outside their intended color. The size of this deviation is what we call the laser linewidth. In other words, the linewidth describes the range of wavelengths present in the wavelength spectrum of the laser beam.

The linewidth of a laser can be defined in different ways depending on the specific criteria used. Here are a few examples:

Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM): This is a common and straightforward definition. It refers to the width of the laser spectrum at the point where the intensity is half its maximum.
Gaussian Linewidth: In some cases, the linewidth can be characterized by the standard deviation of a Gaussian distribution that fits the spectral profile of the laser output.
Schawlow-Townes Linewidth: This definition is associated with the quantum noise of the laser. You could consider this the fundamental, smallest possible linewidth an “ideal” laser could have.
Lorentzian Linewidth: The Lorentzian linewidth is based on the Lorentzian distribution, often used to model the spectral lines of certain lasers.
Frequency or Wavelength Range: Instead of using a specific criterion like FWHM, some applications may define linewidth by specifying the frequency or wavelength range within which a certain percentage (e.g., 95%) of the total power is contained.

These different definitions may be more suitable for specific contexts or applications, depending on the requirements and characteristics of the laser system in question.

What Impact Does Linewidth Have on Coherent Transmission?

A laser is a very precise generator of light signals. Phase noise is like a tiny, random wobble or instability in the timing of these signals. It’s as if the laser can’t decide exactly when to start and stop its light output, creating a small amount of uncertainty in the timing. Precise timing is everything for communication applications.

An impure laser with a large linewidth will have a more unstable phase that propagates errors in its transmitted data, as shown in the diagram below. This means it will transmit at a lower speed than desired.

whats inside a tunable laser Figure-2 — Figure 1: Impact of laser linewidth on phase noise during coherent transmission. The diagram shows the points transmitted by a coherent system at different laser line widths (measured by frequency). The larger the laser linewidth, the blurrier the transmitted points become, to the point that they cannot be distinguished from each other—source: Ragheb et al. (2017).

What are Some Ways to Reduce Laser Linewidth and Noise?

One of the most straightforward ways to improve the linewidth of a semiconductor laser is to use it inside a second, somewhat larger resonator. This setup is called an external cavity laser (ECL) since this new resonator or cavity will use additional optical elements external to the original laser.

Figure 2 : Schematic of an external cavity laser. A typical semiconductor laser is the “base laser” (it could even be a DFB or DBR). The external cavity around that base laser is built with additional elements such as lenses, mirrors, or gratings for additional wavelength tuning.

The new external resonator also provides more degrees of freedom for tuning the laser. ECLs have become the state-of-the-art solution in the telecom industry: they use a DFB or DBR laser as the “base laser” and external gratings as their filtering element for additional tuning. These lasers can provide a high-quality laser beam with low noise, narrow linewidth, and a wide tuning range. However, they came with a cost: manufacturing complexity.

EFFECT Photonics takes a very different approach to building lasers. Most developers make their lasers using linear resonators in which the laser light bounces back and forth between two mirrors. However, EFFECT Photonics uses ring resonators, which take a different approach to feedback: the light loops multiple times inside a ring that contains the active medium. The ring is coupled to the rest of the optical circuit via a waveguide.

Figure 5: Comparison between (a) a linear laser and (b) a ring laser. Both of these diagrams show the electrical p- and n- contacts. — Figure 3: Comparison between (a) a linear laser and (b) a ring laser. Both of these diagrams show the electrical p- and n- contacts.

The power of the ring resonator lies in its compactness, flexibility, and integrability. While a single ring resonator is not that impressive or tunable, using multiple rings and other optical elements allows them to achieve linewidth and tunability on par with the state-of-the-art tunable lasers that use linear resonators.

Takeaways

Laser linewidth, which describes the range of wavelengths in the laser beam, is paramount in coherent optical transmission systems. In such systems, where information is encoded in the phase of light, a purer light source allows for transmitting more information. A narrower laser linewidth corresponds to a more stable phase, reducing phase noise and enhancing the signal quality.

Techniques such as external cavity lasers (ECL) have been employed to improve linewidth, offering a high-quality laser beam with low noise and narrow linewidth. Alternatively, EFFECT Photonics employs ring resonators, providing an innovative approach to achieving linewidth and tunability comparable to state-of-the-art tunable lasers while emphasizing compactness and integrability.

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Tags: Coherent technology, coherent transmission, Data center interconnects, Dense-wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), EFFECT Photonics, External cavity laser (ECL), Frequency range, Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), Gaussian Linewidth, IP over DWDM, Laser linewidth, Lorentzian Linewidth, Metro transport, Phase noise, Pluggable transceiver modules, Ring resonators, Schawlow-Townes Linewidth, Self-tuning algorithms, tunable lasers, Wavelength range

Insights

January 24, 2024

Coherent Optics for AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) will have a significant role in making optical networks more scalable, affordable,…

Artificial intelligence (AI) will have a significant role in making optical networks more scalable, affordable, and sustainable. It can gather information from devices across the optical network to identify patterns and make decisions independently without human input. By synergizing with other technologies, such as network function virtualization (NFV), AI can become a centralized management and orchestration network layer. Such a setup can fully automate network provisioning, diagnostics, and management, as shown in the diagram below.

carrier-network — Figure 1: Example of a carrier network with different applications (mobile, home, office) automated via SDN control and AI management.

However, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are data-hungry. To work optimally, they need information from all network layers and ever-faster data centers to process it quickly. Pluggable optical transceivers thus need to become smarter, relaying more information back to the AI central unit, and faster, enabling increased AI processing.

The Need for Faster Transceivers

Optical transceivers are crucial in developing better AI systems by facilitating the rapid, reliable data transmission these systems need to do their jobs. High-speed, high-bandwidth connections are essential to interconnect data centers and supercomputers that host AI systems and allow them to analyze a massive volume of data.

In addition, optical transceivers are essential for facilitating the development of artificial intelligence-based edge computing, which entails relocating compute resources to the network’s periphery. This is essential for facilitating the quick processing of data from Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices like sensors and cameras, which helps minimize latency and increase reaction times.

400 Gbps links are becoming the standard across data center interconnects, but providers are already considering the next steps. LightCounting forecasts significant growth in the shipments of dense-wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) ports with data rates of 600G, 800G, and beyond in the next five years. We discuss these solutions in greater detail in our article about the roadmap to 800G and beyond.

Graph-pluggables-shipments-dwdm — Figure : Shipments of high-speed DWDM ports by data rate (historical data and forecast). Source: LightCounting Optical Communications Market Forecast, April 2022.

The Need for Telemetry Data

Mobile networks now and in the future will consist of a massive number of devices, software applications, and technologies. Self-managed, zero-touch automated networks will be required to handle all these new devices and use cases. Realizing this full network automation requires two vital components.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for comprehensive network automation: For instance, AI in network management can drastically cut the energy usage of future telecom networks.
Sensor and control data flow across all network model layers, including the physical layer: As networks grow in size and complexity, the management and orchestration (MANO) software needs more degrees of freedom and dials to turn.

These goals require smart optical equipment and components that provide comprehensive telemetry data about their status and the fiber they are connected to. The AI-controlled centralized management and orchestration layer can then use this data for remote management and diagnostics. We discuss this topic further in our previous article on remote provisioning, diagnostics, and management.

For example, a smart optical transceiver that fits this centralized AI-management model should relay data to the AI controller about fiber conditions. Such monitoring is not just limited to finding major faults or cuts in the fiber but also smaller degradations or delays in the fiber that stem from age, increased stress in the link due to increased traffic, and nonlinear optical effects. A transceiver that could relay all this data allows the AI controller to make better decisions about how to route traffic through the network.

A Smart Transceiver to Rule All Network Links

After relaying data to the AI management system, a smart pluggable transceiver must also switch parameters to adapt to different use cases and instructions given by the controller.

Let’s look at an example of forward error correction (FEC). FEC makes the coherent link much more tolerant to noise than a direct detect system and enables much longer reach and higher capacity. In other words, FEC algorithms allow the DSP to enhance the link performance without changing the hardware. This enhancement is analogous to imaging cameras: image processing algorithms allow the lenses inside your phone camera to produce a higher-quality image.

network link with FEC — Figure 3: Simplified diagram of a network link with forward error correction (FEC). The FEC encoder adds a series of redundant bits (called overhead) to the transmitted data stream. The receiver can use this overhead to check for errors without asking the transmitter to resend the data.

A smart transceiver and DSP could switch among different FEC algorithms to adapt to network performance and use cases. Let’s look at the case of upgrading a long metro link of 650km running at 100 Gbps with open FEC. The operator needs to increase that link capacity to 400 Gbps, but open FEC could struggle to provide the necessary link performance. However, if the transceiver can be remotely reconfigured to use a proprietary FEC standard, the transceiver will be able to handle this upgraded link.

Reconfigurable transceivers can also be beneficial to auto-configure links to deal with specific network conditions, especially in brownfield links. Let’s return to the fiber monitoring subject we discussed in the previous section. A transceiver can change its modulation scheme or lower the power of its semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) if telemetry data indicates a good quality fiber. Conversely, if the fiber quality is poor, the transceiver can transmit with a more limited modulation scheme or higher power to reduce bit errors. If the smart pluggable detects that the fiber length is relatively short, the laser transmitter power or the DSP power consumption could be scaled down to save energy.

Takeaways

Optical networks will need artificial intelligence and machine learning to scale more efficiently and affordably to handle the increased traffic and connected devices. Conversely, AI systems will also need faster pluggables than before to acquire data and make decisions more quickly. Pluggables that fit this new AI era must be fast, smart, and adapt to multiple use cases and conditions. They will need to scale up to speeds beyond 400G and relay monitoring data back to the AI management layer in the central office. The AI management layer can then program transceiver interfaces from this telemetry data to change parameters and optimize the network.

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Tags: 400 Gbps links, artificial intelligence, coherent optics, data centers, Dense-wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), diagnostics, Edge computing, EFFECT Photonics, energy efficiency, forward error correction (FEC), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine learning algorithms, Network automation, Network function virtualization (NFV), network optimization, optical networks, optical transceivers, Reconfigurable transceivers, remote management, SDN control, telemetry data

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January 17, 2024

An Intro to Data Center Interconnects

Data center interconnects (DCIs) refer to the networking technologies and solutions that enable seamless communication…

Data center interconnects (DCIs) refer to the networking technologies and solutions that enable seamless communication and data exchange between geographically dispersed data centers. As organizations increasingly rely on distributed computing resources and adopt cloud services, the need for efficient and high-speed connections between data centers becomes crucial. DCIs facilitate the transfer of data, applications, and workloads across multiple data center locations, ensuring optimal performance, redundancy, and scalability.

The Impact of Data Center Interconnects

The impact of robust data center interconnects on the operation of data centers is profound. Firstly, DCIs enhance overall reliability and availability by creating a resilient network infrastructure. In the event of a hardware failure or unexpected outage in one data center, DCIs enable seamless failover to another data center, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous operations. This redundancy is vital for mission-critical applications and services.

Secondly, DCIs contribute to improved performance and reduced latency. By connecting data centers with high-speed, low-latency links, organizations can efficiently distribute workloads and resources, optimizing response times for users and applications. This is particularly important for real-time applications, such as video streaming, online gaming, and financial transactions.

Furthermore, DCIs support efficient data replication and backup strategies. Data can be synchronized across geographically distributed data centers, ensuring data integrity and providing effective disaster recovery solutions. This capability is crucial for compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguarding against data loss.

Types of Data Center Interconnects

As shown in the figure below, we can think about three categories of data center interconnects based on their reach

Intra-data center interconnects (< 2km)
Campus data center interconnects (<10km)
Metro data center interconnects (<100km)

Figure 1: Example of different data center interconnect (DCI) links. Intra-data center interconnects usually have lengths up to 2kms, campus interconnects up to 10km, and metro DCIs up to 100km, although there can be longer DCIs.

Intra-datacenter interconnects operate within a single data center facility .These interconnects are designed for short-distance communication within the same data center building or complex. Intra-DCIs are optimized for high-speed, low-latency connections between servers, storage systems, and networking devices within a single data center. They are crucial for supporting the internal communication and workload distribution required for efficient data center operations.

Campus DCIs connect multiple data centers but are typically limited to a campus area, which may include multiple buildings or locations within a relatively close proximity.This type of interconnect is suitable for organizations with distributed computing resources that need to be interconnected for redundancy, load balancing, and seamless failover within a campus environment.

Metro DCIs connect data centers that are located in different metropolitan areas or cities. They cover longer distances compared to intra-datacenter and campus interconnects, typically spanning tens of kilometers to a few hundred kilometers.

Metro DCIs are essential for creating a network of interconnected data centers across a metropolitan region. They facilitate data replication, disaster recovery, and business continuity by enabling seamless communication and resource sharing between data centers that may be geographically dispersed but still within a reasonable proximity.

The Rise of Edge Data Centers

Various trends are driving the rise of the edge cloud:

5G technology and the Internet of Things (IoT): These mobile networks and sensor networks need low-cost computing resources closer to the user to reduce latency and better manage the higher density of connections and data.
Content delivery networks (CDNs): The popularity of CDN services continues to grow, and most web traffic today is served through CDNs, especially for major sites like Facebook, Netflix, and Amazon. By using content delivery servers that are more geographically distributed and closer to the edge and the end user, websites can reduce latency, load times, and bandwidth costs as well as increasing content availability and redundancy.
Software-defined networks (SDN) and Network function virtualization (NFV). The increased use of SDNs and NFV requires more cloud software processing.
Augment and virtual reality applications (AR/VR): Edge data centers can reduce the streaming latency and improve the performance of AR/VR applications.

Several of these applications require lower latencies than before, and centralized cloud computing cannot deliver those data packets quickly enough. A data center on a town or suburb aggregation point could halve the latency compared to a centralized hyperscale data center. Enterprises with their own data center on-premises can reduce latencies by 12 to 30 times compared to hyperscale data centers.

Cisco estimates that 85 zettabytes of useful raw data were created in 2021, but only 21 zettabytes were stored and processed in data centers. Edge data centers can help close this gap. For example, industries or cities can use edge data centers to aggregate all the data from their sensors. Instead of sending all this raw sensor data to the core cloud, the edge cloud can process it locally and turn it into a handful of performance indicators. The edge cloud can then relay these indicators to the core, which requires a much lower bandwidth than sending the raw data.

Figure 2. Global data center traffic vs. useable data created per year. Graphic sourced from Cisco Global Cloud Index.

Takeaways

In conclusion, Data Center Interconnects (DCIs) play a pivotal role in fostering reliable, available, and high-performing data center operations, ensuring seamless communication and workload distribution. The categorization of DCIs into intra-data center, campus, and metro interconnects reflects their adaptability to various communication needs. The emergence of edge data centers, driven by 5G, IoT, CDNs, SDNs, NFV, and AR/VR applications, addresses the demand for low-latency computing resources.

Positioned strategically at aggregation points, edge data centers efficiently process and relay data, contributing to bandwidth optimization and closing the gap between raw data generation and traditional data center capacities. As organizations navigate a data-intensive landscape, the evolution of DCIs and the rise of edge data centers underscore their critical role in ensuring the seamless, efficient functioning of distributed computing ecosystems.

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Tags: 5G technology, Backup strategies, Campus interconnects, Cloud services, Content delivery networks (CDNs), Data center interconnects, Data replication, DCIs, Distributed computing resources, edge data centers, EFFECT Photonics, High-speed connections, Internet of Things (IoT), Intra-data center interconnects, Latency reduction, Metro interconnects, Networking technologies, Performance optimization, Redundancy, Scalability, Software-defined networks (SDN).

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January 10, 2024

From the Lab Boutique to High Volume Production: How to Scale Up Photonics Manufacturing

Photonics, the science and technology of generating, detecting, and manipulating light, has witnessed remarkable progress…

Photonics, the science and technology of generating, detecting, and manipulating light, has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years. From cutting-edge research in academic labs to breakthrough innovations in startups, photonics is poised to revolutionize various industries, from telecommunications to healthcare. However, despite its tremendous potential, the transition from boutique lab-scale production to high-volume manufacturing remains a significant challenge.

To overcome this hurdle, the photonics industry must draw lessons from the successful scaling of electronics manufacturing. By adopting key strategies and practices that have propelled the electronics industry into the realm of mass production, photonics can pave the way for widespread adoption and integration into our everyday lives.

Learning from Electronics Packaging

A key way to improve photonics manufacturing is to learn from electronics packaging, assembly, and testing methods that are already well-known and standardized. After all, building a new special production line is much more expensive than modifying an existing production flow.

One electronic technique essential to transfer into photonics is ball-grid array (BGA) packaging. BGA-style packaging has grown popular among electronics manufacturers over the last few decades. It places the chip connections under the chip package, allowing more efficient use of space in circuit boards, a smaller package size, and better soldering.

Figure 1: Top, bottom, and side views of a ball-grid array (BGA) style package.

Another critical technique to move into photonics is flip-chip bonding. This process is where solder bumps are deposited on the chip in the final fabrication step. The chip is flipped over and aligned with a circuit board for easier soldering.

Figure 2: Simplified steps of the flip chip bonding process.

These might be novel technologies for photonics developers who have started implementing them in the last five or ten years. However, the electronics industry embraced these technologies 20 or 30 years ago. Making these techniques more widespread will make a massive difference in photonics’ ability to scale up and become as available as electronics.

Adopting BGA-style packaging and flip-chip bonding techniques will make it easier for PICs to survive this soldering process. There is ongoing research and development worldwide, including at EFFECT Photonics, to transfer more electronics packaging methods into photonics. PICs that can handle being soldered to circuit boards allow the industry to build optical subassemblies that are more accessible to the open market and can go into trains, cars, or airplanes.

Supply Chain Optimization

Electronics manufacturers have honed the art of supply chain management to achieve cost-effective and efficient production processes. This includes strategies like just-in-time inventory management, lean manufacturing principles, and global sourcing. In contrast, the photonics industry often faces challenges related to specialized materials and components, resulting in longer lead times and higher costs.

Photonics manufacturers can learn from electronics by implementing supply chain optimization strategies. This involves diversifying sources, streamlining production workflows, and leveraging economies of scale. By fostering strategic partnerships with suppliers and embracing advanced inventory management systems, the photonics industry can overcome the hurdles that have hindered its growth.

Figure 3: Key locations of EFFECT Photonics’ global supply chain. This includes our offices but also some locations where manufacturing is outsourced. We don’t mention the locations of our off-the-shelf component suppliers.

The Advantages of Moving to a Fabless Model

Increasing the volume of photonics manufacturing is a big challenge. Some photonic chip developers manufacture their chips in-house within their fabrication facilities. This approach has some substantial advantages, giving component manufacturers complete control over their production process.

Figure 4: Simplified value chain diagram of a vertically-integrated optical transceiver developer. The developer handles the PIC design, manufacturing, and packaging.

However, if a vertically-integrated chip developer wants to scale up in volume, they must make a hefty capital expenditure (CAPEX) in more equipment and personnel. They must develop new fabrication processes as well as develop and train personnel. Fabs are not only expensive to build but to operate. Unless they can be kept at nearly full utilization, operating expenses (OPEX) also drain the facility owners’ finances.

Especially in the case of an optical transceiver market that is not as big as that of consumer electronics, it’s hard not to wonder whether that initial investment is cost-effective. For example, LightCounting estimates that 55 million optical transceivers were sold in 2021, while the International Data Corporation estimates that 1.4 billion smartphones were sold in 2021. The latter figure is 25 times larger than that of the transceiver market.

Electronics manufacturing experienced a similar problem during their 70s and 80s boom, with smaller chip start-ups facing almost insurmountable barriers to market entry because of the massive CAPEX required. Furthermore, the large-scale electronics manufacturing foundries had excess production capacity that drained their OPEX. The large-scale foundries ended up selling that excess capacity to the smaller chip developers, who became fabless. In this scenario, everyone ended up winning. The foundries serviced multiple companies and could run their facilities at total capacity, while the fabless companies could outsource manufacturing and reduce their expenditures.

This fabless model, with companies designing and selling the chips but outsourcing the manufacturing, could also be the way to go for photonics. The troubles of scaling up for photonics developers are outsourced and (from the perspective of the fabless company) become as simple as putting a purchase order in place. Furthermore, the fabless model allows photonics developers to concentrate their R&D resources on the end market. This might be the most straightforward way for photonics to move into million-scale volumes.

Takeaways

Scaling up photonics manufacturing from boutique labs to high-volume production is a pivotal step in realizing the full potential of this transformative technology. By taking a page from the electronics industry’s playbook, focusing on standardization, optimizing the supply chain, and embracing automation, the photonics industry can overcome the challenges that have impeded its growth. With concerted efforts and strategic investments, the future of photonics looks poised for a paradigm shift, bringing us closer to a world illuminated by the power of light.

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Tags: automation, BGA packaging, EFFECT Photonics, electronics, Fabless model, Flip-chip bonding, Global sourcing, innovation, Integrated circuits, Integrated Photonics, Just-in-time inventory, Lean manufacturing, Manufacturing, Optical transceiver, Photonics, PICs (Photonic Integrated Circuits), R&D, Scaling up, Semiconductor, Standardization, supply chain

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December 20, 2023

The Role of Photonics in Advancing Smart Cities and IoT Networks

In the era of rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the challenges faced by smart cities…

In the era of rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the challenges faced by smart cities and IoT networks are more pressing than ever. With the increasing demand for efficient, interconnected systems, the need for a robust and reliable infrastructure is paramount. Enter photonics, a cutting-edge technology that harnesses the power of light to revolutionize communication and sensing systems. This article explores how photonics offers a promising solution to the complex problems faced by smart cities and IoT networks.

Enhanced Data Transmission and Bandwidth:

One of the foremost challenges in smart cities and IoT networks is the sheer volume of data that needs to be processed and transmitted in real-time. Traditional electronic systems often struggle to keep up with this demand, leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Photonics, on the other hand, utilizes light to transmit data, enabling significantly higher bandwidths and faster transmission speeds.

Figure 1: Telecommunication tower with 5G cellular network antenna on city background

Fiber optic networks, a prime example of photonics application, have already proven their mettle in providing high-speed internet to urban areas. By transmitting data in the form of light pulses through optical fibers, these networks can achieve gigabit speeds, ensuring seamless communication between devices, sensors, and systems. This enhanced data transmission capability is crucial for enabling the real-time monitoring and control required in smart cities and IoT networks.

Robust Sensing and Monitoring Systems

Smart cities rely heavily on an extensive network of sensors to monitor various parameters like air quality, traffic flow, temperature, and more. Photonics plays a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of these sensing systems. For instance, photonic sensors can provide highly accurate measurements using techniques such as interferometry and spectroscopy.

Furthermore, photonics enables the development of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems, which use laser pulses to create detailed 3D maps of urban environments. These maps are invaluable for applications like autonomous vehicles, urban planning, and disaster response. The precision and reliability of photonics-based sensing technologies are indispensable for the effective functioning of smart cities.

Figure 2 time-of-flight LIDAR system — Figure 2: Diagram of a time-of-flight LIDAR system

Reduced Latency and Real-time Responsiveness:

In smart cities and IoT networks, milliseconds matter. Applications such as autonomous vehicles, healthcare monitoring, and smart grid management require near-instantaneous response times. Photonics plays a crucial role in minimizing latency.

By using light-based communication, photonics enables data to travel at nearly the speed of light, significantly reducing the time it takes for information to reach its destination. This real-time responsiveness is essential for applications that demand split-second decision-making. Whether it’s ensuring the safety of pedestrians on busy streets or optimizing energy distribution in a smart grid, the low latency provided by photonics is a game-changer.

Takeaways

In the face of the challenges posed by urbanization and the demand for interconnected systems, photonics emerges as a game-changing technology for smart cities and IoT networks. Its ability to facilitate high-speed data transmission, promote secure communication, and ensure scalability positions it as a key enabler of the smart cities of the future.

As we continue to advance towards a more connected and sustainable urban landscape, harnessing the potential of photonics will be instrumental in overcoming the hurdles that lie ahead. By integrating photonics into the fabric of smart cities and IoT networks, we pave the way for a more efficient, resilient, and environmentally conscious urban future.

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Tags: Autonomous Vehicles, bandwidth, Communication Systems, Data transmission, EFFECT Photonics, Fiber-optic networks, Healthcare Monitoring, high-speed internet, IoT Networks, Latency reduction, LIDAR, Photonic Sensors, Photonics, Real-time Responsiveness, Scalability, Sensing Systems, Smart Cities, Smart Grid Management, Sustainable Urban Development, Technological Advancement, Urbanization

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November 21, 2023

How Optical Networks Illuminate Remote Work

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the concept of work has undergone a remarkable transformation. The…

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the concept of work has undergone a remarkable transformation. The rise of remote work and telecommuting has transcended traditional office settings, allowing individuals to contribute from the comfort of their homes or other remote locations. This shift has been expedited by technological advancements, with reliable and high-speed internet connectivity emerging as the lifeblood of this new work paradigm. As the limitations of traditional networks become increasingly evident in meeting the demands of remote work, the spotlight has turned to optical networks as a solution that not only addresses these challenges but also propels remote and hybrid work environments to new heights.

Traditional networks, predominantly reliant on copper-based infrastructure, were designed to cater to the needs of an era when remote work was more of an exception than a rule. As remote work gained momentum, these networks often struggled to cope with the demands of simultaneous video conferencing, data transfers, and cloud-based applications. Slow speeds, bandwidth limitations, and inconsistent connectivity resulted in frustrated workers and disrupted workflows. These limitations became glaringly evident during peak usage times, when the networks would buckle under the strain, impeding productivity and causing communication breakdowns.

Speed and Scalability Advantages of Optical Networks

Enter optical networks, leveraging the power of optical fiber to revolutionize remote work. As shown in the figure below, optical networks utilize light pulses to transmit data, offering unparalleled speed and scalability. Unlike traditional copper-based networks, which are constrained by the physical limitations of the medium, optical networks enable data to travel at the speed of light, allowing for seamless and rapid communication between remote workers and their colleagues, clients, or collaborators.

Figure 1: How transceivers convert electrical data signals into light pulses and vice-versa.

The incredible bandwidth capacity of optical fibers means that even data-intensive tasks like high-definition video streaming and large file transfers can be accomplished without a hint of lag. This inherent speed boosts productivity and enhances the quality of virtual interactions, fostering a sense of connectedness that bridges geographical divides. The robustness of optical networks is further exemplified by their ability to handle ever-increasing workloads. As remote workforces expand and data demands grow, optical networks can effortlessly accommodate these needs without compromising performance, making them an ideal companion for the modern remote work landscape.

Low Latency for Real-Time Communication

The latency between data transmission and reception has long been a thorn for remote workers. Delays in video conferences, voice calls, and collaborative applications can hinder effective communication and teamwork. Optical networks come to the rescue with their remarkably low latency characteristics. The efficiency of transmitting data via light signals ensures that delays are minimized, enabling real-time interactions that simulate face-to-face communication.

Figure 2: Optical networks have enabled a broader use of video calling worldwide.

Remote workers can engage in spontaneous discussions, contribute ideas during brainstorming sessions, and provide instant feedback without the frustrating lag that often plagues traditional networks. This low latency factor improves the remote work experience and lays the groundwork for a future where virtual reality and augmented reality applications become integral to remote collaboration. The near-instantaneous data transfer facilitated by optical networks facilitates a sense of presence, allowing remote workers to feel like active participants in the shared digital space.

Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Networks

In an era marked by heightened environmental consciousness, the eco-friendliness of technology solutions is a significant consideration. Optical networks shine in this regard as well. The energy consumption of optical networks is notably lower than that of traditional networks.

When electricity moves through a wire or coaxial cable, it encounters resistance, which leads to energy loss in the form of heat. Conversely, light experiences much less resistance when traveling through optical fiber, resulting in significantly lower energy loss during data transmission. As shown in the figure below, this energy loss gets exponentially worse with faster (i.e., higher-frequency) signals that can carry more data. Networks based on electrical signals also require more signal boosters and repeaters at regular intervals to maintain data integrity over long distances.

Figure Comparison of attenuation losses — Figure 3: Comparison of attenuation losses (in dBs) between 10 meters of a coaxial cable, 100 meters of a coaxial cable, and 1 kilometer of optical fiber. The losses in fiber increase significantly less with frequency compared to coaxial cable. Original figure from *ViaLite* Communications.

These devices demand substantial energy inputs and contribute to a larger carbon footprint. In contrast, optical networks transmit data over longer distances without the need for frequent signal regeneration, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower emissions. By adopting optical networks, companies can enhance their remote work capabilities and contribute to sustainable practices that benefit the planet.

Conclusion

As remote work and hybrid work models become the norm rather than the exception, the importance of robust and reliable internet connectivity cannot be overstated. With their limitations in speed, scalability, latency, and energy efficiency, traditional networks have struggled to meet the demands of this evolving landscape. Optical networks, powered by the prowess of optical fiber technology, illuminate the path forward for remote work.

With their speed and scalability, low latency attributes, and eco-friendly characteristics, optical networks have addressed the challenges that once hindered remote work’s potential. Optical networks have unlocked new possibilities, allowing remote workers to seamlessly collaborate, communicate, and contribute in real time, regardless of their location.

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Tags: bandwidth limitations, cloud-based applications, connectivity, copper-based infrastructure, data transfers, eco-friendly networks, EFFECT Photonics, energy-efficient technology, fiber optic technology, high-speed internet, Low latency, optical networks, real-time communication, remote work, Speed of light, sustainable practices, telecommuting, traditional networks, video conferencing, virtual interactions, work paradigm

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EFFECT Photonics

What to Expect at CIOE 2024

Integration for Compactness and Power Efficiency

Remote Diagnostics and Management

Industrial Hardening

Takeaways

Manufacturing at Scale

Integration Saves Power (and Energy)

DWDM Gives More Lanes to the Fiber Highway

Takeaways

The Impact of Small and Integrated Lasers

The Past Successes and Future Challenges of Laser Integration

Pushing Tunable Laser Sizes Further Down

Takeaways

What is laser linewidth?

What Impact Does Linewidth Have on Coherent Transmission?

What are Some Ways to Reduce Laser Linewidth and Noise?

Takeaways

The Need for Faster Transceivers

The Need for Telemetry Data

A Smart Transceiver to Rule All Network Links

Takeaways

The Impact of Data Center Interconnects

Types of Data Center Interconnects

The Rise of Edge Data Centers

Takeaways

Learning from Electronics Packaging

Supply Chain Optimization

The Advantages of Moving to a Fabless Model

Takeaways

Enhanced Data Transmission and Bandwidth:

Robust Sensing and Monitoring Systems

Reduced Latency and Real-time Responsiveness:

Takeaways

Speed and Scalability Advantages of Optical Networks

Low Latency for Real-Time Communication

Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Networks

Conclusion

Telecom/Datacom

Emerging Industries

DSP & FEC

Ultra Pure Light Sources

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Pluggable Modules – Coherent

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