Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. was selected by the National Institute of Information and Communication Technology (NICT) through open bidding for Research Project: R&D of bandwidth expanding optical node technologies for realizing ultra-fast, large capacity networks under the 2024 Function Realization and International Joint R&D Program ‘Innovative ICT Fund Projects for Beyond 5G/6G.’
As data volumes increase due to the shift to B5G (6G) and the promotion of cloud computing, it will be essential to strengthen the optical network connecting backbone networks and data centers. Therefore, the global optical transmission system market is expected to continue growing.
Optical transmission system
In the high-end optical transmission system market, which is driving this growth, it is expected that optical transmission systems in the 400G to 1.6Tbps range will be launched and bandwidth will be expanded from the C/L band to the S band to realize an all-photonics network (APN). It will be necessary to develop and put into practical use the optical components used for this.
With the aim of expanding the range of large capacity optical channels, Research Project: R&D of bandwidth expanding optical node technologies for realizing ultra-fast, large capacity networks under the 2024 Function Realization and International Joint R&D Program ‘Innovative ICT Fund Projects for Beyond 5G/6G’ Project involves the development of a bandwidth expanding optical transmission system and required key devices for realizing bandwidth expansion for optical transceivers and multiple wavelength optical nodes.
Optical node technologies
These advances will contribute to the rapid realization of bandwidth-expanding optical transmission systems
These advances will contribute to the rapid realization of bandwidth-expanding optical transmission systems that will support Beyond 5G telecommunications and the related supply chain.
Furukawa Electric will utilize their core technologies and knowledge of photonics to develop next generation optical semiconductor devices and optical components. In this four-year project (until 2027), we will develop Tunable light sources for next generation high speed network, Raman pump light sources and Optical amplifier for expanded bandwidth toward future transmission speeds of 1.6Tbps and bandwidth expansion from the current C/L band.
Future transmission speeds
Based on the ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ adopted by the United Nations, Furukawa Electric Group has formulated the ‘Furukawa Electric Group Vision 2030’ which sets the year 2030 as its target and is advancing efforts with the aim to ‘Build a sustainable world and make people’s life safe, peaceful and rewarding, Furukawa Electric Group will create solutions for the new generation of global infrastructure combining information, energy and mobility.’
Toward the achievement of their Vision 2030, they will take open, agile, and innovative approaches to promote ESG management that aims to increase corporate value over the medium to long term and will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
