ISSUE 9 | Q2 2017 |
BRINGING THE WORLD THE LATEST IN OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS NEWS
Redefining the limits of optical fibre p12
Fibre network optimisation KEEP IT CLEAN
Need for speed NOKIA’S NEXT GEN NETWORKS
Virtual Reality TAKING CONTROL OF OPTICAL NETWORKS
p18
p22
p30
enet nets UK presence Nokia and Facebook break subsea record US FTTH rebrands
- Optical whiteboxes enabling software de ned networks - 100G long-reach datacom portfolio—QSFP28 LR4 and QSFP28 4WDM-10 transceivers - 100G intermediate-reach datacom portfolio—QSFP28 CWDM4 transceivers - 100G short-reach datacom portfolio—QSFP28 SR4 and QSFP28 SWDM4 transceivers Don’t miss! Chris Pstner, Lumentum VP, Product Line Management, Datacom will present “Hyperscale data centers as technology drivers” Wednesday, June 21 12:50-13:10 p.m. Lumentum offers the industry’s most comprehensive optical solutions for data center, enterprise, and telecom network applications:
For more information, visit us at NGON 2017 Nice, stand B2.
ACCELERATING THE SCALE AND SPEED OF CLOUD, NETWORKING, AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
WWW.LUMENTUM.COM | CUSTOMER.SERVICE@LUMENTUM.COM | +1 844 810 LITE 5483
CONTENTS
4
Industry News
Detailed investigation
12 Andy Extance 14 Matthew Peach – High Fibre Diet 16 Antony Savvas – Optical Cloud Expansion 18 Ellen Manning 20 Matthew Peach 22 Ana Pesovic 25 Joost Grillaert – LC Strikes Back 26 John Williamson – C-Ran Networks 28 John McMillan – Optimised Splicing 30 John Williamson – Virtual Reality 33 Event Focus 34 Product Focus
– Redefining the Limits
One of the benefits of the increased frequency of Optical Connections is the extra space available that we can devote to more detailed coverage of this diverse technology and market sector. So this issue has two key themes, covered in greater depth: network infrastructure developments and real-world deployments. These topics also complement the extra distribution the magazine will have at key upcoming events AngaCom (30 May – 1 June, in Cologne) and Next Generation Optical Networking Europe (20 – 22 June in Nice). New contributor and semiconductor technology specialist Andy Extance investigates how optical fibre developers are using new materials and designs to redefine the limits of optical fibre. He argues that while fundamental physics could pose a threat to the internet’s continued expansion new fibre formats could extend previous limits. OC regular John Williamson looks at how smart network management developments such as C-RAN (Cloud-Radio Access Networks) are reducing data bottlenecks at the optical network-mobile interface. He also reports on how recent management buzzwords software defined networks, all-optical switching and network functions virtualisation are helping operators cope with the incessant growth in data demands. An interview with next-gen passive optical networks specialist Nokia details three di erent approaches o ered by the company – XG-PON1, XGS-PON and TWDM-PON – and which one could best meet particular operators’ needs in relation to tra c demands and budget. New deployments are described in two features looking at KCOM’s recent broadband upgrade in Hull, this year’s UK City of Culture, and the UK-wide activities of CityFibre, which has been rolling out new networks in a host of conurbations over the past several years. Focusing on the fibre and boxes upon which every network depends, writer Ellen Manning takes a fresh look at the fundamental issues of selecting the right components, connecting them properly and keeping the whole lot pristine despite the challenging down hole environments. Data centre design and evolution is also examined with reports on the latest innovations by some of the industry’s key suppliers. Besides this we present a selection of some of the latest and most interesting product innovations, as well as the usual mix of business and technology stories. If you are involved in a development in this industry whether in manufacturing or deployment, please get in touch. We look forward to meeting you at the next industry exhibition and conference.
– Network Optimisation
– Data Centre Design
– The Need for Speed
Matthew Peach Contributing Editor, Optical Connections
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ISSUE 9 | Q2 2017
“We are already building networks that are likely to bring some of the benefits of 5G sooner than 2020”
APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH
Andy Extance – see page 12
Nokia and Facebook break subsea cable performance records
Nokia and Facebook have set new spectral efficiency and capacity records in multiple submarine field trials over a 5,500 km submarine cable, between New York and Ireland. The submarine field trial of Nokia Bell Labs’ new Probabilistic Constellation Shaping (PCS) technology used shaped 64-QAM, which achieved a record spectral efficiency of 7.46 bits/s/Hz and increased the stated capacity of the system by almost 2.5 times. The test also included a successful 11,000 km round trip submarine transmission using shaped 64-QAM, achieving a record spectral efficiency of 5.68 bits/s/Hz, and a first demonstration of 200 Gbits/s and 250 Gbits/s wavelengths and 16-QAM modulation over a transatlantic submarine route using a real-time coherent DSP. Dr. Stephen Grubb, Global Optical Network Architect at Facebook, commented: “Facebook wants to increase
A new record: The field trial, between New York and Ireland, recorded spectral efficiency of 7.46 bits/s/Hz.
available today, we hope to chart a path forward for the industry towards higher capacities, greater reach, and more network flexibility,” added Nokia Head of Optical Networking, Sam Bucci. storage, or compute — widely viewed as the next evolutionary step. The platform will be used in a full suite of next-generation silicon photonics solutions, delivering 100G per lane optical interconnects and will begin with the deployment of 100GBase-DR and 400GBase-DR4 transceivers in 2018, expanding to include other standards based solutions to service 25G, 50G, 100G, 200G, 400G, 800G, and 1 terabit optical interconnects. “TSMC recognises the growing importance of optical interconnect for our customers,” said Dr. BJ Woo, TSMC’s VP Business Development. “Our collaboration with Luxtera will help us to deliver a silicon photonics technology platform to this market that addresses critical industry needs. We are pleased that our work together is quickly demonstrating results.”
laser sources can achieve capacities extremely close to the Shannon limit.” “By demonstrating promising areas of Nokia Bell Labs research such as PCS, as well as coherent technologies Luxtera to offer high-performance silicon photonics platform with TSMC Luxtera has partnered with TSMC for next- generation silicon photonics manufacturing. This cooperation enables key technologies for future cloud, mobile infrastructure, enterprise, and high- performance computing platforms. Together, the companies are developing an “innovative silicon photonics technology platform” intended to more than double optical link performance while enabling four times the raw data rate of any competing silicon photonics solution. The new platform will also enable full system-on- chip integration of optical interconnect, with the CMOS logic for applications including network switch,
the pace of innovation and adoption of next-generation optical technologies. This field trial with Nokia demonstrates that the scalable optical technology of PCS together with narrow linewidth
Adva, Brocade demonstrate 32G fibre channel transmission over 100km
architectures” said Scott Shimomura, senior director, product marketing, Storage Networking, Brocade. The pairing of Brocade’s newly introduced Gen 6 Fibre Channel technology and CloudConnect offers the highest levels of performance, availability and scalability. The transmission of 32Gbit/s Fibre Channel over 100km represents a critical breakthrough in business continuity and disaster recovery planning. As companies evolve towards the new low-cost, high-performance storage model, they require networks that deliver low-latency, high- capacity bandwidth together with maximum reliability. This demonstration of 32Gbit/s Fibre Channel connectivity shows that networks can now maximise the performance of flash array technology.
Adva Optical Networking has successfully transmitted 32Gbit/s Fibre Channel over 100km in a joint field trial with Brocade. The industry- first demonstration utilised Brocade X6 directors together with the ADVA FSP 3000 CloudConnect platform. The trial shows the capabilities of Adva’s data centre interconnect technology to interoperate seamlessly with Brocade Gen 6 Fibre Channel products. The joint solution will offer what Adva calls “unrivalled value” to enterprise customers, addressing the need for higher speeds in the data centre and enabling a smooth transition to flash-based storage solutions. “This successful demonstration is a landmark
for enterprises seeking to evolve their storage applications and network
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APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH
Fischer Connectors has developed a range of high-performance fibre- optic connectivity solutions to meet the growing demand for high-speed data transmission in instrumentation, sensing, defence and security and other harsh environments. The Fischer FiberOptic Series of rugged connectors and cabling combine the quality, stability and durability required for reliable optical performance over long distances, featuring quick mating and unmating and easy field cleaning. These connectors perform well in harsh and extreme environments and have a Rugged connectors brave harsh conditions while performing at highest rates
for demanding indoor and outdoor applications, where space-saving is a priority. This connector has the same key features and benefits as the Fischer FiberOptic Series FO1, FO2 and FO4. All can be pre-configured with Fischer FiberOptic Series reels of any required length, or integrated into custom assemblies, for a convenient and flexible turnkey solution. The FO1 connectors series were showcased for the first time at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition 2017, in Anaheim, California, USA.
Australian broadband operator ponders nextgen PON
high ingress protection of IP68 when mated, and IP67 unmated. The connectors are available in two different versions: (a) The Fischer FiberOptic FO1, FO2 & FO4 offer robust optical performance. This version is available with one (FO1), two (FO2) or four (FO4) optical channels. The connector is quick and easy to clean thanks to a removable mono-block mate adapter and the possibility of rinsing the unmated connectors freely under water. The new single-fiber F01 connector has been made smaller and lighter to maximise flexibility and efficiency. (b) The Fischer FiberOptic Hybrid (FOH 2-2) is a robust, powered optical solution. It is a rugged, hybrid connector with two optical channels and two electrical contacts, suitable
Australia’s National Broadband Network
(nbn) has partnered with Nokia to trial new NG- PON2 fibre technology as a means of delivering symmetrical speeds of 10 Gbits/s to its FTTP end- user buildings. In tandem with technologies such as G.fast or XG.FAST, a future deployment of NG- PON2 could also benefit end-users connected to retail services over nbn’s FTTB and FTTC networks. Additionally, it could provide extra capacity in the fibre that supports
Fischer Connectors has been designing, manufacturing and
distributing connectors and cable assembly solutions for more than 60 years. Fischer Connectors’ products are commonly used in fields requiring faultless quality, such as medical equipment and automation.
nbn’s HFC and fixed wireless networks. During trials in
NUS Singapore researchers invent ultra-thin multilayer film for next-gen data management
Melbourne, NG-PON2 delivered “extraordinary” peak trial lab speeds of 102 Gbits/s. This was generated from: 40 Gbits/s symmetrical speeds TWDM-PON technology; 10 Gbits/s symmetrical on XGS-PON; and a further 2.5 Gbits/s on nbn’s current GPON technology. nbn is presently offering wholesale maximum speeds of up to 1 Gbits/s to retail service providers, and expects its current GPON- based FTTP network to be available to up to 2.5 million premises by 2020.
A team of scientists led by Associate Professor Yang Hyunsoo from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Faculty of Engineering has invented a novel ultra-thin multilayer film which could harness the properties of tiny magnetic whirls, known as skyrmions, as information carriers for storing and processing data on magnetic media. The nano-sized thin film, which was developed in collaboration with researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory, Stony Brook University, and Louisiana State University, is a critical step towards the design of data storage devices that use less power and work faster than existing memory technologies. The digital transformation has resulted in ever- increasing demands for better processing and storing of large amounts of data, as well as improvements in hard drive technology. Since their discovery in magnetic materials in 2009, skyrmions, which are tiny
Using new TWDM technology, which supports between 4
Associate Professor Yang Hyunsoo and Dr Shawn Pollard, from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the NUS Faculty of Engineering.
and 8 wavelengths on a single fibre, NG-PON2 is expected to deliver initial symmetrical speeds on FTTP up to 10 Gbits/s, and potentially well beyond as the technology develops. Chief Technology Officer, Dennis Steiger commented, “The NG- PON2 trials we have conducted with Nokia have shown us the huge potential this very exciting technology has in terms of helping us deliver on future consumer demand for data at speed.”
Moriya interaction (DMI), is formed and this helps to stabilise a skyrmion. However, without an out-of-plane magnetic field present, the stability of the skyrmion is compromised. In addition, due to its tiny size, it is difficult to image the nano-sized materials. To address these limitations, the researchers worked towards creating stable magnetic skyrmions at room temperature without the need for a biasing magnetic field.
swirling magnetic textures only a few nanometres in size, have been extensively studied as possible information carriers in next-generation data storage and logic devices. Skyrmions have been shown to exist in layered systems, with a heavy metal placed beneath a ferromagnetic material. Due to the interaction between the different materials, an interfacial symmetry breaking interaction, known as the Dzyaloshinskii-
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ISSUE 9 | Q2 2017
“Our mission is to build a nation of Gigabit Cities, using optical fibre connectivity”
NEWS & BUSINESS
Matthew Peach– see page 14
Vodafone select BKT Elektronik for UK exchange renewal project
The solution is designed from the ground up in direct response to Vodafone’s requirements for a new future-proof deployment with the added benefit of backward compatibility for installation into their legacy network. Andrew Wilson, UK and Ireland Business Development Manager at BKT explained, “As a manufacturer we were able to address a very long list of disparate future- proofing requirements that Vodafone knew from experience it was going to need; something other big names were unable to match. Working closely with Vodafone our engineering excellence and ability to quickly prototype and react have been clear winners throughout.” “The result is a suite of ODF frames built to house
1U and 2U 19” mini-ODFs plus a brand new splice field. All 19” components have built-in adaptability to legacy racks such as the TEP1E and Ciena 6500. “Vodafone is now very satisfied and, with our commitment to ongoing product development, set up for the foreseeable future. Our solution is also applicable in many other operator environments” Andrew added. A key aspect of the solution is that it has been built around a modular connectivity package developed by SENKO Advanced Components, BKT Elektronik’s chosen partner for high-end FO applications. This allows for rapid inter-rack installation of ruggedised FO hydra assemblies. Additionally, LC Uniboot patchcords routed on the front dramatically reduce packing density in the ODF.
BKT’s custom-made ODF and connectivity suite, selected by Vodafone for its UK exchange renewal programme.
QSFP-DD MSA Group announces form factor specification
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and thermal management requirements to enable multi-vendor interoperability. QSFP-DD pluggable modules can quadruple the bandwidth of networking equipment to keep pace with advances in ASIC technology. Systems designed for QSFP-DD modules will be backwards compatible with existing QSFP form factors and provide maximum flexibility for end users, network platform designers and integrators. The new QSFP-DD form factor expands the standard QSFP four-lane interface by adding a row of contacts providing for an eight-lane electrical interface, each operating up to 25 Gbps with Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ) modulation or 50 Gbps with Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM4).
The Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) Multi Source Agreement group has released a specification for the new QSFP-DD form factor. In total, 52 companies came together in support of the QSFP-DD MSA to address the industry need for high-density, high-speed networking solutions. The QSFP-DD MSA group accepted the challenge to meet the market demand for a next generation high- density, high-speed pluggable module form factor and have released a specification with broad market support that overcomes the technical challenges of specifying a QSFP28 compatible double- density interface. The QSFP-DD specification defines mechanical, electrical
If you are yet to subscribe to our twice-monthly eNewsletter and to receive a digital copy of the quarterly magazine, you can do so by adding your email address into the ‘Stay Up To Date’ box on our homepage: www.opticalconnectionsnews.com All new subscriptions, from now until September 9th, will be automatically included in our prize draw, with the winning subscription receiving a Kindle Fire HDX.
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NEWS & BUSINESS
HiLight Semiconductor completes $6M ‘B’ series venture capital round
THE ORIGINAL PUSH-PULL CONNECTOR
and evaluation teams, its laboratory facilities in Southampton, as well as
HiLight Semiconductor, based at the Southampton University Science Park, UK, has announced the completion of its third round of Venture Capital funding, following seed investment by Oyster Capital in 2013 and Series A funding led by Atlantic Bridge Capital in May 2015. The Series B funding, totaling $6.1m, was again led by Atlantic Bridge, but also had participation from a new strategic investor. HiLight says it plans to use the new funds to further expand its IC design, support Exfo has acquired Ontology Systems, a developer of real- Systems for $7.6 million Exfo acquires Ontology time network topology discovery and service- chain mapping. The combination of Ontology Systems’ expertise in mapping complex, cross-domain, multi-layer network topologies with Exfo’s end- to-end service assurance and real-time 3D analytics
create a Laboratory alongside the new larger design offices in Bristol.
Gary Steele, HiLight Executive Chairman,
commented, “We believe our new investors have been encouraged by our three-fold year-on-year sales growth this year and our ability to overcome the inherent technical challenges in using low-cost digital CMOS technologies in high- speed analogue and mixed- signal products.”
solutions is expected to deliver operators and analysts a comprehensive view across physical, virtual
and hybrid networks. Germain Lamonde,
Exfo’s founder, chairman and CEO, commented, “This strategic acquisition positions Exfo with agile, real-time visualisation and troubleshooting solutions that enable communications service providers to manage their networks more efficiently.” The acquisition is expected to be neutral to EXFO’s adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2017 and accretive thereafter.
More than 75'000 connector combinations The modular design of LEMO products provides more than 75'000 different combinations of connectors with a large choice of contact configurations: Fibre optic High and low voltage Coaxial and triaxial Quadrax Thermocouple Fluidic and pneumatic Hybrid
Hengtong Cable Group and Inland Energy announce US collaboration
solar, wind, waste-to-energy, natural gas and waste coal. Hengtong USA products are designed and built to US standards and tested by US agencies. Initially, production will be provided through Hengtong’s international facilities, to capitalise on manufacturing and cost efficiencies. The company is now ramping up its American sales force and establishing its US distribution and service facilities.
The formation of Hengtong USA, a collaboration between Hengtong Cable Group of Suzhou, China and Inland Energy of California, USA, was announced at this year’s OFC. Hengtong Cable Group is one of the largest and most successful manufacturers of optical and electric power cables in the world, currently operating in 120 countries, with in excess of 13,000 employees. Inland Energy is a developer of major power plants of all kinds, including
Custom solutions Cable assembly
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Contact your local partner on www.lemo.com
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ISSUE 9 | Q2 2017
NEWS & BUSINESS
enet nets UK fibre presence
enet, Ireland’s largest open-access network
planned over the next 12 months, as well as over 76 UK on-net commercial data centres and over 2,000 PoPs from other players in the market. The UK network deal is the latest in a series of investments undertaken by enet and its parent, Granahan McCourt Capital. These include investing more than €100 million in access fibre deployments, metro fibre acquisition and construction, core fibre rollouts, as well as Gigabit wireless network integration.
operator, has made its first entry into the UK market with a strategic network partnership with the UK’s SSE Enterprise Telecoms. Under the terms of the tie-up, enet will utilise SSE Enterprise Telecoms’ full range of dark fibre, Carrier Ethernet and optical networking services, across 13,700 km of national network. Additionally, enet also gains access to over 265 Points of Presence (PoPs), with further expansion
enet already operate over 5,000km of fibre infrastructure, including the Irish State’s Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and one of the largest licensed wireless networks in the country.
US FTTH organisation rebrands as Fiber Broadband Association
Gold. “Modernising our brand acknowledges this evolution and brings a new sense of excitement into our effort to represent an industry, inclusive of other fibre-supported technologies with a common goal of building the world’s fastest-growing technology platform for consumers, businesses and innovation.”
all aspects of its public image. “The Fiber Broadband Association represents members that are building the world’s highest-performing fibre optic broadband networks for consumers at home, businesses and the critical role fibre plays supporting new and emerging technologies” said Burnett
and makeup of the industry it represents. The new brand and descriptor is “Fiber Broadband Association, accelerating the connected future” and will be the association’s formal name in
FTTH Council Americas President and CEO Heather Burnett Gold has announced that the association has launched a modernised brand that it believes will better reflect the evolution
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“We have to re-define how networks are built and operated, and we believe that really has to happen all the way down to the physical layer” John Williamson – see page 30
TECHNOLOGIES & PRODUCTS
Ciena’s Waveserver Ai delivers scale and power e ciency for data centre interconnects
Greater capacity with minimal footprint: Ciena’s Waveserver Ai packet optical platform enables higher capacity connections.
Ciena has introduced the Waveserver Ai, a packet-optical platform that enables ultra-high capacity connections between data centre locations and addresses the interconnection of multiple clouds for multi-tenant data centre and cloud providers. The company said that the Waveserver Ai will provide greater capacity and service
and deployment with a programmable coherent chipset that can tune from 100G to 400G to maximise capacity for any distance – from metro, regional to long-haul. Using a single, compact Waveserver Ai platform, operators can deliver single wavelength 400G capacity for short-haul and 200G for long-haul DCI, doubling the capacity potential of today’s networks.
bottom line. Steve Alexander, Senior VP and CTO at Ciena, said, “By pairing a high-performance optical engine with a familiar web-scale IT operational model, our Waveserver Ai platform delivers more capacity with minimal footprint and greater power e ciency for DCI and other high capacity applications.” Another feature of
where space comes at a premium. Leveraging Ciena’s WaveLogic Ai coherent technology, the platform scales to 2.4T in a single rack unit of space, which equates to 50–100 percent more density compared to other compact DCI platforms. Additionally, with ultra-low power per bit, operators can reduce overall energy consumption and see a positive impact on the
Waveserver Ai is that it simplifies DCI planning
densities with minimal footprint in data centres
HellermannTyton has announced the completion of its GST Connectivity range for use on category 6A, 6 and 5e networks. The series features compact RJ45 jacks, CAT6A UTP patch cords, modular jack panels and cable termination tools. Leading the GST line is the component compliant CAT 6A UTP jack, featuring a performance-optimised, multi-layer PCB and contact set. GST panels are available in 1U and 2U options, addressing flat or angled requirements that can accommodate 24 to 72 ports, providing the high density needed in today’s applications. Rounding out the line are two GST-specific Termination Tools. The company’s GST Termination Tool o ers single-action crop and crimp simplicity for repeatable terminations on both GST UTP and Deca10 FTP jacks. The new Pocket Tool assists in the termination of the jack as well as provides a built-in support for the manifold to ease the wire lacing process. HellermannTyton completes data connectivity range
HellermannTyton’s CAT 6A UTP jack.
Teraxion launches slope-matched tunable dispersion compensator
and content providers a tunable DCM with DCIs’ specific needs in mind”, said Patrick Lebeau, sales and product line manager at TeraXion. “We are excited, because the end-product is a plug- and-play device that can bring significant reductions in system costs and space, making the PAM-4 network architecture even more cost- e ective”, he added.
TeraXion has launched a new tunable dispersion compensator, which manages chromatic dispersion simultaneously on the entire C-band. The device has been designed to enable significant cost and size reduction in 100 Gb/s PAM-4 systems for data centre interconnects (DCIs) and other applications. The company said that this single component could eventually replace the current
TeraXion’s TDCMX-SM will o er significant reductions in system cost and space.
compensator, which was deployed in the tens of thousands of units. “The impetus for designing the Slope-Matched Tunable Dispersion Compensator was o ering system integrators
solution of compensating dispersion with spools of dispersion compensating fibre (DCF). The TDCMX- SM uses the same platform as TeraXion’s previous generation tunable dispersion
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TECHNOLOGIES & PRODUCTS
Fujikura Europe presents new 500W air-cooled CW lasers
Fujikura Europe says it is becoming “a major competitive force in the industrial laser market” with its pulsed fibre lasers and the anticipated launch of its new 500W air-cooled CW lasers. The Pulsed Fibre Laser FLP-G10 series o ers a beam quality with an M2 value of typically 1.3; the developer says it has “a proven track record with more than 6,000 lasers deployed in the field. The series is suited to deep metal engraving at high power on reflective materials, but is also competitive at lower powers too.” Simon Richardson, Head of Optics within Fujikura Europe, commented, “The key technical benefits are very
designed for a range of applications from additive manufacturing to micro- cutting and Anilox inking rolls. In addition to the lasers’ strengths of beam quality and stability, they also have bespoke fibres to eliminate stimulated Brilloiun scattering.
“Commercially, we are seeing many of the established laser manufacturers enter
the systems market, so laser systems integrators are e ectively having to purchase lasers from their competitor,” said Richardson. “We will, however, remain an independent producer of lasers. We have also recently extended our range to lower powers to provide complete choice from 20W to 75W.”
A major force: Fujikura have announced the launch of its 500W CW laser.
the active fibres and the key optical components within the laser.” Fujikura is also launching air-cooled 500W CW lasers,
high beam quality and high tolerance to back reflections at high powers. We have patents relating to our laser diodes, our cavity design,
II-VI launch mini tunable optical filter for high bitrate DWDM
isolation performance”, he added. The company’s portfolio of miniaturized components for transceiver-embedded amplification includes hybrid- passives and uncooled 980 nm pump lasers with in-package wavelength- stabilizer technology. The mini-MTOF is expected to be generally available from June 2017. II-VI is also introducing its 25 Gb/s detector chip arrays for active optical cables and transceivers deployed in datacenters.
II-VI has announced a miniature tunable optical filter for high bit rate DWDM transmission applications. The compact filter, with a 4.8 mm profile, is designed to be embedded in transceivers with high density form factors such as CFP2 and OSFP, improving signal fidelity and reach by filtering the noise generated at the transmitter. “Beyond 100 Gb/s, tunable filters are increasingly required to maximize the optical signal to noise ratio in DWDM transceivers and Seikoh Giken announces Intelli-Cross LC Uniboot connector
The tunable filter has been designed to be embedded in high density form factor transceivers.
embedded tunable filters from our existing products based on MEMS and etalon technologies. Our new mini- MTOF is a second-generation design that combines best- in-class size and out-of-band
achieve the desired reach,” said Dr. Sanjai Parthasarathi, Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Optical Communications Group. “II-VI develops transceiver- indicators, which the developer says eliminates over-rotation and housing key misalignment by a technician. Key polarity changes can be made quickly and accurately at the panel rack with no special tooling required. The Intelli-Cross Series provides hyper density data centre installers and operators with an industry standard LC Duplex connector that fully complies with the Telcordia GR-326 Connector Installation
objective of 57mm overall length. With an ultra-compact, low- profile form factor,
premier
zirconia ceramic ferrule technology.
connectors incorporate a micro-gear mechanism that intelligently
The connectors are available in singlemode (UPC & APC) and multiMode (OM1, OM2, OM3 & OM4) formats with body colours as per TIA standards. Boot configurations include standard, mini-short and angle boot formats, which are available in up to 12 colour variations.
Seikoh Giken has launched an Intelli-Cross Series LC Uniboot interconnect range, which is designed for next-generation single and multimode fibre connectivity applications. The precision-moulded connector incorporates both external visual cues and internal mechanical
syncs the A-B housing keys during polarity reconfigurations. Cable production engineers will be enabled to meet all customer-specific optical performance parameters as the Intelli-Cross Series utilise Seikoh Giken’s
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SPECIALTY FIBER DRAWING TECHNOLOGY
Nextrom’s OFC 20SF specialty draw tower is customizable for the production of silica fibers, soft glass, as well as canes and capillary tubes. Process technology for PM, PCF, LMA, thin fibers, different coatings and more makes us the complete supplier for specialty fiber production.
www.rosendahlnextrom.com
ANDY EXTANCE OPTICAL FIBRE
Redefining the limits OF OPTICAL FIBRE
Fundamental physics could pose a threat to the internet’s continued expansion – but new fibre designs could extend the limits, finds Andy Extance.
ANDY EXTANCE
I n seeking to fully utilise its already-installed physical fibre-optic cable infrastructure, the optical communications industry has ingeniously and continuously managed to pack in more bandwidth. Yet current approaches may soon hit a barrier, warns Peter Winzer at Nokia Bell Labs in Crawford Hill, New Jersey: the capacity threshold known as the Shannon Limit. This is the theoretical maximum capacity of a communication channel for a given signal-to- noise ratio. “Modern coherent transponders, and even more so the latest laboratory experiments, are approaching the Shannon Limit very closely,” he told Optical Connections. Consequently, various new optical fibre designs are seeking to postpone the industry’s arrival at this limit. The need for more capacity is well illustrated by British multinational
been developing converged fixed and mobile backhaul networks for several years now,” according to Vodafone’s Head of Transport Eva Rossi. “In our markets we have either Vodafone-owned or third-party fibre,” Rossi said. “Where possible we aim to integrate Vodafone’s fixed and mobile networks in order to maximise synergies.” Vodafone therefore already uses fibre to move enormous amounts of data between cell towers, and its ongoing network evolution will be a key factor in the path to 5G mobile networks, Rossi added. “We are already building networks that are likely to bring some of the benefits of 5G sooner than 2020, when the industry expects 5G services to be rolled out,” she said. MORE BACKBONE REQUIRED The tra c 5G will drive will necessitate high backbone capacities on limited amounts of fibre, Winzer underlined. Nokia Bell Labs’ solution to this is space division multiplexing (SDM), with its current work
Optical communication may soon hit the capacity threshold known as the Shannon Limit. NOKIA BELL LABS
multiple processors into a single chip, rather than putting several processors on a board. Similarly, in the future more integrated fibres, transponders, amplifiers and multiplexers will become necessary throughout optical communications, Winzer said. The Nokia Bell Labs researcher considers current alternative SDM e orts that use hollow-core fibres as of mostly academic interest. They necessitate using light with wavelengths around 2,000nm, not the common telecom wavelengths around 1,500nm. “This is not the way forward, as a shift
involving multi-core and few-mode fibres. SDM simply means integrating parallel transmission paths, just as the commonly used wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) approach integrates several wavelengths, Winzer explained. Although each path still faces the Shannon limit, the capacity of a fibre is multiplied by the number of paths it contains. Winzer considers the multi-core fibre needed to achieve this to be analogous to modern multi-core computer processors. Today electronics manufacturers integrate
telecommunications company Vodafone’s plans. Best known for its cellular telephone networks, Vodafone “has
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ANDY EXTANCE OPTICAL FIBRE
“In the future more integrated fibres, transponders, amplifiers and multiplexers will become necessary throughout optical communications.”
G.652.D fibre core area,” Lingle explained.
ULTRA LOW LOSS Consequently OFS has developed ultra-low loss fibre for terrestrial optical communication, with the maximum 125µm2 practical e ective area, called TeraWave ULL. “OFS took a family of fibre designs and a manufacturing platform developed for the submarine market and optimised it for terrestrial cabling and practical Raman amplification,” Lingle explained. “The result is a fibre that helps extend the un-regenerated reach for 200Gb/s coherent links beyond 4500km.” Meanwhile, 5G wireless networks will need more front-haul and back-haul fibre cable, to support a higher density of cells, Lingle added. OFS’ bend-insensitive AllWave FLEX and AllWave FLEX Max fibres will optimise cable performance between macro-cells and small cells, he said. Vodafone is working with vendor partners to improve spectral e ciency using existing fibre assets, Rossi revealed. “In addition we are looking to increase the spectral e ciency of the fibre using flexible spectrum operations managed using software defined networks,” she said. “The advantages of large e ective area fibres would be mostly in the long distance applications where we typically use dark fibre at present.” However, dark fibre providers are already running short of long-haul assets, Lingle said. “Much dark fibre remaining is older G.655 fibre, which is less optimised for advanced coherent modulation formats,” he said. “As a result, there is a resurgence in the long haul cable market, driven by cloud companies.” TeraWave ULL fibre has therefore already been selected for deployment by several cloud content providers, Lingle added. The demand for innovative fibre technologies to boost spectral e ciency is already here, it seems – and, for now at least, suppliers continue to have the ingenuity to satisfy it.
Peter Winzer– Nokia Bell
core fibres. “Applicability will depend on the volume of production and its competitive commercial availability,” she said. She also echoes Winzer’s words on how they have to fit in to existing operations, in particular in operating reliably. “Vodafone’s focus is on delivering gigabit services to end users,” she said. “Anything that impacts the ease of installing and maintaining fibre lines e ciently on behalf of our customers will a ect us.” However, pushing spectral e ciency higher than is currently possible with 100Gb/s QPSK modulation coherent technology requires other options for moving beyond established G.652.D specification fibre designs, Lingle stressed. Long distance connections between cloud datacentres in particular need to implement higher order modulation formats like 8QAM and 16QAM. “These formats require higher optical signal-to-noise-ratio and are more sensitive to non-linear impairments from the 80µm2
gradually transition from a WDM to a WDMxSDM infrastructure.” NEW DESIGNS Recently Norcross, Georgia- headquartered OFS and its parent company Furukawa Electric, in Tokyo, Japan, have developed multi-core, few-mode, and hollow-core fibres that might suit SDM. Robert Lingle, OFS’ Director of Market and Technology Strategy, warns that hollow- core fibres have significantly higher loss than standard fibres and are di cult to fabricate. However, they reduce the transit time of signals by around 30%. “They may become practical in the near future for applications where lower latency is of very high financial benefit,” Lingle underlined. Similarly multi-core fibres “probably await a breakthrough in the cost of manufacturing” before widespread use in optical communications. Rossi emphasised that Vodafone is tracking ‘new developments in the field’ like multicore and hollow-
to a di erent wavelength necessitates a complete technology change,” he says. Fundamentally reducing
the cost per bit using SDM technologies will be a challenge, Winzer admitted. “The key is a
smooth upgradability path that re-uses deployed fibre infrastructure,” he asserted. “Bell Labs is working on exactly these kinds of evolutionary systems that allow our customers to
Space division multiplexing squeezes more data into fibre by sending light down di erent paths. NOKIA BELL LABS
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MATTHEW PEACH HIGH FIBRE
constitution HIGHFIBRE DIET is good for your
Regions with strong digital infrastructure experience greater economic growth. However the UK’s
MATTHEW PEACH
aging copper networks have
required constant upgrades, which is unsustainable. In order to stay ahead of demand and meet the needs of a growing population a solution with long-term potential is required. This solution is fibre, argues Clayton Nash, Head of Products at CityFibre, interviewed by Matthew Peach.
What are CityFibre’s objectives and its clients’ needs
change the way customers, suppliers and employees buy, sell and deliver services. In the mobile sector a bespoke dark- fibre solution to connect 37 mobile base stations in Hull helped Three UK deliver a 380% increase in data traffic, while significantly reducing their total cost of ownership. Beyond this, the ever-rising demand for full fibre to support a future of 5G and IoT across the UK is plainly inevitable.
class, copper-free foundations on which to build future-proof, ultra-fast and resilient mobile and digital services. THE LATEST CF DEPLOYMENTS Since mid-2016, we have increased our network footprint substantially and are now able to address over 30,000 public sector locations across the UK, including council offices, schools and hospitals. CityFibre’s public sector projects in York, Coventry, Aberdeen and Edinburgh for example, have not only helped city leaders position their cities as tech hubs ripe for inward investment, they have enabled the development of new digital teaching methods in schools and smarter traffic management and CCTV systems. In Gigabit Cities, many connected customers have reported increased productivity, growth and competitiveness. Our network is also supporting new innovation while helping cities attract talent and investment. CityFibre’s project in Peterborough is a good example: in 2015 it was crowned ”Smart City of the Year”, the same year it enjoyed record business start-up rates. Our national footprint addresses an estimated 280,000 businesses today and is set to grow further as we deliver our recently announced plans to develop over 500 business parks nationwide. This is certain to unlock new potential as the ‘fourth utility’ continues to permanently
CityFibre develops and operates an alternative communications infrastructure across the UK. We operate in competition with other network builders such as Openreach and Virgin. Our mission is to build a nation of Gigabit Cities, using optical fibre connectivity to transform public sector services, unleash business potential, drive economic growth and enable 5G and Internet of Things innovation.
What are the economics of the latest CityFibre installations?
What are the major trends driving new fibre networks
CityFibre operates a planned, shared infrastructure model to achieve maximum return on investment while staying true to the Gigabit City vision. Our approach starts with the identification of an anchor contract or partner that serves a demand aggregator for initial network design and build. This anchor could be a mobile operator, a business ISP or a public sector network requirement. Alongside preparations to connect the priority anchor sites, our network planners’ job is to look at how best to build the core infrastructure so that it can ultimately serve all verticals and bring gigabit full-fibre connectivity to every business, school, public building, mobile site and home in the most cost effective way. We aim to ‘build once and build right’ too, essentially by laying enough duct and fibre capacity
The UK is constrained by out-of-date, legacy copper networks, which cannot meet the nation’s growing digital demands. A quarter of UK businesses are still operating with a connection slower than 12 MBps, and almost half (40%) have connectivity slower than 24 MBps. In an era when 80 per cent of businesses employ remote working practices, 75 per cent say broadband is vital to their business and 94 per cent interact with customers and suppliers online, so the current national situation is unacceptable. The solution is the birth of the Gigabit City underpinned by brand new full-fibre infrastructure. Gigabit City networks provide entire communities with world-
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| ISSUE 9 | Q2 2017
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MATTHEW PEACH HIGH FIBRE
EUROPE’S DIGITAL SINGLE MARKET Europe’s Digital Single Market strategy, devised and implemented by the European Commission over the past two years, is intended to open up digital opportunities for individuals and businesses across the EU and enhance Europe’s position as a world leader in the digital economy. A Digital Single Market (DSM) is one in which the free movement of persons, services and capital is ensured and where the individuals and businesses can seamlessly access and exercise online activities under conditions of fair competition, and a high level of consumer and personal data protection, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence. Legislative proposals are now under discussion by the co-legislator, the European Parliament and the Council. The DSM can create opportunities for new startups and allow existing companies in a market of over 500 million people. It is estimated by the EC that achieving a Digital Single Market could contribute at least €415 billion per year to Europe’s economy, creating jobs and transforming public services. An inclusive DSM offers opportunities for citizens also, provided they are equipped with the right digital skills. Enhanced use of digital technologies can improve citizens’ access to information and culture, improve their job opportunities. It can also promote and support modern open government.
rapidly from managed services to fibre – bandwidth needs are soaring and 5G means you cannot build a mobile network with legacy Ethernet networks – only fibre will do What is the importance of Europe- wide / UK national policies to encourage deployment? The most important driver is the ever- increasing demand for bandwidth and the need for reliability from customers. Hand in hand with this is the need for full fibre to underpin developments like 5G and smart cities. The UK Government can help to accelerate the response to demand with clear goals and targets, by making it easier to procure full fibre at both national and local level and with measures such as the recent 100% relief on business rates for fibre over the next five years. Regulation definitely needs to pull in the same direction as Government policy, something that is not always apparent – our regulator remains heavily focused on dictating the terms of access to Openreach’s out-dated network in ways that are at best a distraction and at worst actively impair the incentives for alternative fibre network deployment. We also need firm action to prevent hybrid copper/fibre broadband services being marketed as fibre broadband. Digital connectivity also needs to be considered for underpinning every area of the Industrial Strategy currently under review.
What about availability of suitable infrastructural technology?
on day one to serve future demand and avoid the need for further civils.
What is the competitive landscape?
Fibre is now a standard product and at the transceiver level the market is rapidly commoditising allowing virtually anyone to consume dark fibre easily. Amplifiers and repeaters remain complex and somewhat bespoke solutions – along with ROADMs they’re much easier to buy than they used to be but are still only useful to large networks. Software is where the real innovation is happening. SDN and NFV along with standardised ways to manage multi- vendor environments mean a new network like ours is highly flexible in terms of which services are available and how they evolve. Mobile backhaul is moving
For decades, service providers have had no choice but to use out-of-date BT / Openreach copper networks to serve customers. The historic absence of at- scale digital infrastructure competition has resulted in reputational damage and lost business for service providers as well as delays and unreliable services for the UK’s businesses and consumers. Thankfully the tide has changed and the rise of the alternative, agile, full-fibre infrastructure builders is providing the industry, government and regulator with a choice for the first time.
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