2006-09-26

Ericsson and T-Com in world's first trial for next-generation optical technology

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and Deutsche Telekom's fixed network unit, T-Com, have successfully completed the world's first trial for next-generation 43Gbps optical transmission technology over a 1000km link in T-Com's DWDM network in Germany.

Enabling 40Gbps connections between its IP core routers, this technology will allow T-Com to expand its network capacity in order to meet the rapid growth in broadband services usage.

Stefan Kindt, President Ericsson Germany, says: "Cooperation and trials with major customers such as Deutsche Telekom in areas of novel technologies are of vital interest for Ericsson. This trial has brought us a major step forward towards a common objective we share with our customers – achieving robust 43Gbps DWDM transmission over long distances at a competitive price."

The use of 40Gbps optical transmission facilitates a cost-efficient evolution for operators towards higher optical link capacities on existing and new infrastructure.

This technology enables 40Gbps long-distance transmission over existing 10Gbps DWDM infrastructure and provides the operator with traffic growth potential of up to 6.4Tbps per fiber pair.

The trial was conducted over T-Com's optic link between the German cities of Nuremberg and Oschatz (1047km), which is equipped with Ericsson's WDM platform.

Ericsson's next-generation 43Gbps optical transmission technology is based on the new modulation format return-to-zero differential quadrature phase shift keying (RZ-DQPSK). This modulation format exhibits high robustness against PMD (Polarization Mode Dispersion).

This trial highlights the benefits of the Marconi acquisition to Ericsson's customers. Both fixed and mobile operators value having a strategic partner and a provider of end-to-end solutions - including broadband access, leading-edge microwave and optical transport networks.

Information about the company: Telefon AB LM Ericsson