To celebrate the International Day of Light, Keely Portway, discusses what light means to optical communications, and how photonics technology has aided the rise in data speeds towards a previously unthinkable 1.6Tb/s per wavelength.
Some of the most-viewed and industry-shaping stories of 2021
Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), in partnership with Fujikura, has demonstrated a transmission experiment over 1,045km with a data-rate of 159Tb/s. This was achieved using the recently developed three-mode optical fibre, which is capable of wide-band wavelength multiplexing transmission with standard outer diameter (0.125mm) that can be cabled with existing equipment.
Virgin Media O2 has been laying the groundwork for full network automation in the future (credit: Virgin Media O2)
New tools and processes do more of the heavy lifting in managing networks to deliver seamless connectivity, but suppliers are still seeking the Holy Grail of full automation, finds Benjamin Skuse
The world is poised for 10-gigabit networks, and advances in DOCSIS 4.0 solutions could bring us closer to this reality, finds Alice Jensen
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A look at the market for optical transport equipment, including the vendors of some of the latest hardware products and solutions.
Abigail Williams looks at how European network developers are overcoming the challenges they face in expanding fibre deployments
Charlie Cassie highlights the latest recruitment trends that fibre network providers, owners and operators need to think about if they are looking to hire great telecoms talent
Colin Yates highlights the benefits of digital data capture for telecoms engineers, installers and other field-based professionals
