Coherent multicarrier lightwave technology for flexible capacity networks

Highly flexible and survivable networks can be built by allocating optical carriers of heterodyne systems. The basic features of heterodyne systems are reviewed, especially the use of multicarriers, tunability, and selectivity. Then specific application areas that may benefit from flexible multicarrier allocation schemes are discussed. Examples are taken from the RACE Phase II project R2065, coherent optical systems implemented for business traffic routing and access (COBRA). Next, trends and progress in heterodyne systems in general and related key components are summarized, and then examples of ongoing field trials in Europe are discussed. Finally, the coherent multicarrier technology are compared briefly with direct detection multiwavelength technology.<
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