Scientists Overcome One of the Biggest Limits In Fiber Optic Networks

Mark.JUK writes: Researchers at the University of California in San Diego have demonstrated a way of boosting transmissions over long distance fiber optic cables and removing crosstalk interference, which would mean no more need for expensive electronic regenerators (repeaters) to keep the signal stable. The result could be faster and cheaper networks, especially on long-distance international subsea cables. The feat was achieved by employing a frequency comb, which acts a bit like a concert conductor; the person responsible for tuning multiple instruments in an orchestra to the same pitch at the beginning of a concert. The comb was used to synchronize the frequency variations of the different streams of optical information (optical carriers) and thus compensate in advance for the crosstalk interference, which could also then be removed.

As a result the team were able to boost the power of their transmission some 20 fold and push data over a "record-breaking" 12,000km (7,400 miles) long fiber optic cable. The data was still intact at the other end and all of this was achieved without using repeaters and by only needing standard amplifiers.

Comments

this is moot--internet will continue to get slower

[rightwingLeftist]

not faster. Why? Comcast/TimeWarner et al want slower speeds so they can charge more for high speeds....

Re:this is moot--internet will continue to get slo

[ArcadeMan]

Yes, but with this new technology their costs will be lower and so they'll be able to get more profits.