800 Gbps milestone: NEC’s leap in optical submarine cable technology

• NEC achieves a groundbreaking 800 Gbps transmission over a submarine cable system.
• NEC sets a new global standard for high-speed, long-distance data transmission of 2,100 km. 
• The hope is that the XF3200 transponder will act as a milestone on which further communications evolution can be built.

In an era of global connectivity, the importance of high-speed, long-distance data transmission continues to grow, intertwining with the veins of global communications, internet services, and the burgeoning digital economy.

In this context, NEC Corporation has made a pioneering achievement by successfully conducting a long-distance field trial with an optical submarine cable system. Utilizing the new XF3200 transponder, the trial showcased an unprecedented transmission performance, delivering a world-leading 800 gigabits per second (Gbps).

Why is this important?

This development resonates profoundly in today’s interconnected world. As the global need for data transmission intensifies, ensuring fast, reliable, and efficient data communication networks becomes paramount. NEC’s achievement reinforces the essential backbone supporting the expanding digital landscape.

Historically, optical submarine cable systems have been vital conduits for international communication. Since the laying of transatlantic telegraph cables in the 19th century, each technological advance in this field has elevated the benchmark for global communications.

NEC’s recent accomplishment is the milestone in this journey, reflecting continuous innovation and potential in the domain of optical submarine cable communications.

In this record-breaking field trial conducted using the Indonesia Global Gateway (IGG) optical submarine cable owned by PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom), Indonesia’s largest telecommunications carrier, NEC showcased the power of the XF3200 transponder. The trial marked the longest-ever recorded wavelength division optical transmission of 800 Gbps optical signals over 2,100 km.

How does this submarine cable technology work?

The XF3200 transponder revolutionizes long-distance high-speed data transmission. By harnessing wavelength division optical transmission, the XF3200 efficiently and reliably transmits optical signals at an unprecedented 800 Gbps, marking a new era for global communications and data transmission.

In comparison to contemporary transponders, the XF3200 supports approximately 30% higher transmission capacity. That means it can meet and exceed the escalating global demands for seamless, efficient data transmission and communications.

The XF3200 also demonstrated its low power consumption, high scalability, space efficiency, and flexible serviceability during the trial. These attributes substantially lower the total cost of ownership, which further recommends its use in enhancing international communication infrastructures.

This record-setting advancement by NEC paves the way for many benefits; most significantly, it promises accelerated international communications and reinforced internet services. This evolution augments global connectivity, supporting diverse digital economy sectors and driving innovative growth and development across the spectrum.

What does the future will look like?

The successful field trial of the XF3200 heralds a promising future for submarine cable technology. It anticipates the advent of more advanced and efficient transmission technologies, steadfastly contributing to the ongoing evolution of global communications infrastructure.

NEC’s accomplishment reaffirms the company’s reliability in submarine cable systems. NEC is responsible for over 400,000 km of cable spanning the globe, and continues to expand the limits of subsea capacity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Toto Sugiharto, executive general manager of the infrastructure planning division at Telkom, said that NEC had maintained a significant partnership with Telkom in the realm of submarine cable systems over the years. This field trial, he added, was evidence of the continued evolution and enhancement of NEC’s submarine optical transmission technology, addressing and accommodating the surging traffic demands across Indonesia.

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