Cost-efficient high-speed components for 100 gigabit ethernet transmission on one wavelength only: results of the HECTO project

• Published in: IEEE communications magazine Vol. 51; no. 5; pp. 136 - 144
• Main Authors: Derksen, Rainer H., Steffan, Andreas G., Westergren, Urban, Chacinski, Marek, Schubert, Colja, Bach, Heinz-Gunter, Driad, Rachid, Hurm, Volker, Makon, Robert E., Li, Jie
• Format: Magazine Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.05.2013; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: 100 Gigabit Ethernet; Cost-efficient; Field trial; High-speed optical techniques; Integrated optics; Monolithic integrated circuits; Monolithically integrated; Optical fibers; Optical receivers; Optical transmitters; Single mode fibers; Single wavelength; Standard single mode fibers; Wavelength; Wavelength channels
• DOI: 10.1109/MCOM.2013.6515058
• ISSN: 0163-6804; 1558-1896

In 2010, the standard for 100GbE was approved, which specifies the transmission of 100 Gb/s via 4 wavelength channels of 25 Gb/s each. A solution based on a 100 Gb/s single wavelength channel is capable of significant cost reductions should the required components be available. Within the HECTO project, we developed components suitable for single-wavelength 100 Gb/s transmission. In this article, the project is described - its organization, objectives, possible impacts, and results - including the successful demonstration in a final field trial. A complete ETDM system utilizing the monolithically integrated transmitter and receiver modules developed in the project was built to transmit 112 Gb/s over 42 km standard single-mode fiber. Finally, we attempt an outlook on the prospective development of Ethernet standardization beyond 100GbE.