The impact of optical technology on the submarine systems market

The authors seek to review the technical developments, the economic benefits provided and the market growth in submarine optical transmission systems. The rapid acceptance of fibre optic technology is illustrated together with the resultant capacity implications. It is shown that the technology is undergoing rapid progress with a quick succession of systems which offer higher capacity and lower intrinsic capital cost through the deployment of a 1.5 micron capability. This carries the potential not only of cost savings on repeatered systems but also opens up a virtually new market in the supply of single span links.<
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