Fiber-optic transmission and networking: the previous 20 and the next 20 years [Invited]

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Communications
• Information Technology

Background:

• Optical fiber communication systems have undergone significant evolution over the past two decades.
• Scaling challenges in optical transport and switching layers are becoming increasingly critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of optical fiber communication systems.
• To extrapolate future technology needs and potential solutions for the next 20 years.
• To encourage innovative thinking for addressing technology scaling problems.

Main Methods:

• Review of past 20 years of optical fiber communication system evolution.
• Extrapolation of future technology requirements and solutions.
• Focus on optical transport and switching layers.

Main Results:

• Identification of key areas for future development, including large-scale spatial multiplexing.
• Discussion of massive opto-electronic arrays and integrated optics-electronics-DSP.
• Exploration of optical node architectures for superchannel switching and multiplexing.

Conclusions:

• Significant technological advancements are required to meet future demands in optical communication.
• Integrated and multi-dimensional approaches (spatial, spectral) are crucial for scaling.
• Long-term perspective is essential for innovation in optical networking.