At ADVA, we recently launched our new FSP 3000 TeraFlex™ CoreChannel™, which can transport 800Gbit/s over distances that were previously impossible outside of optimized lab trials. What’s more, we can prove it. We just announced the results of the latest trial in a real-world network with standard fiber. FUNET used our TeraFlex™ CoreChannel™ to transmit data at 800Gbit/s on links exceeding 2,000km without signal regeneration.

Not a market niche any more

Until now, it was not possible to use 800Gbit/s transport solutions for truly long-haul routes. Even with the latest generation of coherent digital signal processing (DSP) chips and 95GBd technology, 800Gbit/s solutions could only reach a few hundred kilometers in most real-world applications. On longer spans, users could not use the full capacity, and this limited the broad adoption of 800Gbit/s. That’s because 400Gbit/s transport solutions like 400ZR were usually a much more cost-efficient alternative on short routes.

We have solved that problem. We did it by bonding two highly shaped carriers to get an aggregate signal with 140GBd. With this approach, TeraFlex™ CoreChannel™ can operate with lower modulation orders than are used by 95GBd solutions. Lower modulation orders very strongly correlate to longer reach. That means TeraFlex™ CoreChannel™ can go significantly further at 800Gbit/s without costly regeneration. The DSP and our software manage this all seamlessly, so that there is one single channel with 800Gbit/s capacity. 140GBd fits within a channel width of 150GHz. Therefore, this channel is fully compatible with existing flexgrid open line systems. The flexibility of the CoreChannel™ enables the use of a lower baud rate and a higher modulation order to reduce the channel bandwidth to 125GHz or even 112.5GHz for greater spectral efficiency. Moreover, by using a channel width that is a multiple of 50GHz and 75GHz, CoreChannel™ minimizes spectrum fragmentation and avoids stranded spectrum after a network update.

TeraFlex™ CoreChannel™ can operate with lower modulation orders than are used by 95GBd solutions. Lower modulation orders very strongly correlate to longer reach.

Does TeraFlex™ CoreChannel™ use an optical or electrical sub-carrier implementation? Does it use 7nm or 16nm CMOS DSP technology?  These questions may matter to some, but for most those are not the key points. What’s important is that users see a single channel that can transport 800Gbit/s over long distances without regeneration and over existing line systems. One channel to manage, one physical interface, one cable to plug in. What matters is performance, cost and ease of use. That, and a trusted vendor with long and successful experience in high-capacity optical transport. 

The new TeraFlex™ CoreChannel™ makes smart use of the same powerful dual-core DSP and optical components used in other TeraFlex™ sled variants. This proves the high reliability and versatility of the TeraFlex™ architecture. With a powerful and widely adopted dual-core DSP, TeraFlex™ gives users flexibility to choose the number and capacity of channels (1x 800Gbit/s, 2x 400Gbit/s, 2x 600Gbit/s, …) as well as the ability to optimize utilization of available spectrum. Whether in existing or new network infrastructure, users can massively increase transport capacity at the lowest cost. And they can use the same optical terminal from the edge to the core. Even on long routes users can transport 800Gbit/s per channel without the need of costly regeneration.

Available now

Coherent-based technology is continuously evolving to cope with ever-increasing bandwidth demand. But technology improvements in transport capacity usually correlate to lower reaches than previous generations. By enabling the transport of 800Gbit/s on long-haul spans, TeraFlex™ CoreChannel™ solves this challenge, and it does so right now. Furthermore, it’ll provide a smooth transition to next-class coherent technology, which is focused on solutions around 140GBd.

Do you want to grow transport capacity now? We’ll be glad to help you.