Optical Superchannel

Abstract

The constant emergence of broadband applications and their evolution require a network infrastructure that is cost-effectively scalable and dynamically adaptable to new configurations. Technological innovations in optical communication systems have enabled the continuous introduction of these applications due to the deployment of equipment operating at 40 and 100 Gb/s/channel in installed WDM networks. Despite its advantages, the wavelength routing in these networks presents challenges related to the fixed grid of channels and their coarse granularity. This problem will become more complex with the traffic addition of optical signals modulated at higher bit rates (400 Gb/s, 1 Tb/s and beyond), incompatible with the current network infrastructure but eventually needed to meet the growing demand for bandwidth.This project aims the study of next generation systems and networks which are based on the optical superchannel transmission, on the flexible bandwidth dynamic allocation in heterogeneous networks, with cognitive properties, and on long reach and broad band access. The project is organized in three master lines and its main contribution will be their integrated approach:1. Data plane, with techniques for generation, transmission and reception of optical superchannels modulated at bit rates e 400 Gb/s, in trunk lines, and e 40 Gb/s and 10 Gb/s, in the downstream and upstream of access networks, respectively.2. Control plane for dynamically reconfigurable optical networks with cognition ability, heterogeneous traffic, and elastic/flexible bandwidth allocation. 3. Techno-economic planning, based on the tripod "energy, spectral efficiency and cost", aiming to propose strategies for transition and modernization of the existing infrastructure. (AU)