Tata, Huawei complete 400G long-haul subsea network field trial

International carrier Tata Communications, network systems manufacturer Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., and submarine cable network provider Huawei Marine Networks Co., Ltd. report the successful completion of a 400-Gbps field trial on a submarine network over 6000 km long.

The test results demonstrated optical transmission of 400G signals, and represent an industry-first for a submarine cable system of this length, the companies claim.

Huawei and Huawei Marine's technical approach adopted the modulation format of dual-carrier polarization-division multiplexing quadrature phase-shift keying (DC-PDM-QPSK), which Huawei has touted as a "faster-than-Nyquist (FTN)" compensation and recovery algorithm, along with proprietary clock recovery technology and soft-decision forward-error correction (SD-FEC) to address the problems of high-speed signal distortion and unstable clocks.

The trial shows that this ultra-long-haul technology, which Huawei previously described at OFC 2014, is ready to move out of the lab and into the field (see "Huawei touts 400G WDM prototype"), Huawei asserts.

"The 400G technology from Huawei and Huawei Marine demonstrates that our existing subsea network asset is capable of supporting future, next-generation transmission technology as shown in the 400G trial. Tata Communications constantly assesses new technology to expand our capabilities and to enhance our ability to support traffic growth demand from our customers," said Hon Kit Lam, vice president, international transmission and IP business, Tata Communications.

Jack Wang, president, Huawei transmission network product line, added, "Our 400G technology will not only help operators manage larger levels of traffic faster, but also optimize operating and network maintenance costs. We are pleased to be working with leading international carriers like Tata Communications on this 400G technology trial."

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.

Want to learn more about 400G innovation? Attend the Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit
The Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit will feature panels and presentations that will illuminate where optical innovation is required in carrier and enterprise/data center networks, what it should look like, and when it might appear. A wide range of experts from the user, technology development, academic, and analyst communities will offer their views on innovation in a variety of areas, including 400G. Find out more about the Summit, which will be held in Austin, TX, July 14-16, at the Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit website.