Siemens able for transmit error-free at a data transmission rate of 10 gb/s via a passive optical access

This is four times faster than the rate previously possible. At the same time, a 100 kilometer distance between hub and subscribers, the so-called last mile, could be bridged for the first time. Today only subscribers within a 20 km radius can be connected. These research results bring within reach the next generation of subscriber line technology that is making optical networks more powerful and cost-efficient.

Siemens Networks just recently announced a world record in connection with optical networks: During an experimental setup, 107 Gbit/s were transmitted in a carrier’s optical core network. Data rates up to 40 Gbit/s are currently possible in this network area for commercial operation. Now the research team from Siemens has reached a new highest record – this time in the optical access network.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is currently the most well-known technology for access networks, providing data rates of up to 50 Mbit/s. DSL uses the telephone network’s existing copper twisted pairs. However, future services such as video on-demand, video conferences, triple play, Voice over IP, digital TV and HDTV (High Definition TV) require access networks with higher data rates. A fiber optic subscriber line provides the necessary bandwidth.

Today’s GPON (Gigabit PON) access networks use data rates of 2.5 Gbit/s from network to subscriber (downstream) and 1.2 Gbit/s from subscriber to network (upstream). A central device allows subscribers within a radius up to 20 kilometers to be connected. In order to reach subscribers living further away, an additional system is needed – even when the first hub is not yet at full capacity. Moreover, the number of subscriber lines per hub is limited to 64. (Source)