Xtera extends 100-Gbps technology to long-haul submarine cable networks

Xtera Communications, Inc. says it has enhanced its Raman-based 100-Gbps coherent-transmission technology to cover the needs of long-haul submarine fiber-optic cable networks. The upgraded technology is based on that used in the 100-Gbps submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE) supplied to Gulf Bridge International (GBI) for a repeatered submarine cable system that links Egypt to Italy. That system, put into service in the first quarter of last year, is the first and only 100G repeatered subsea system in commercial operation today, Xtera asserts.

Xtera says it has performed “numerous” 100G field trials across the globe as well as what it calls “Optical Transmission Surveys" (OTS’s). The field trials comprised links with multiple fiber types of different links. The OTS’s, meanwhile, helped Xtera determine the maximum system capacity that current subsea fiber-optic networks could support using Xtera’s technology as well as improve its simulation tools.

The trials and OTS activity underscored the need to enhance the company’s 100-Gbps technology for long-haul, repeatered applications, a company source told Lightwave via email. The new technology, which is currently available, takes advantage of a change in the optical pulse shape as well as improvements in the dispersion compensation performance of the digital coherent receiver.

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