In wireless communication, G stands for “generation” as in 4G, 5G, 6G. When it comes to data rate in optical communications though, “G” stands for gigabits per second (Gbps), and the progression doubles, as in 100G, 200G, 400G and 800G.
Optical communication travels at the speed of light, but the rate limiting step is often the encoding of information in a communication channel, known as the baud rate. Today’s 400G-type coherent interfaces are based on 60 gigabaud (Gbaud) protocols which would theoretically need to double to 120 Gbaud to support the new 800G standard. However, electro-optic components find it very challenging to operate at 120 Gbaud. Insert research here to find a solution!
In their paper Silicon Photonic Single-Segment IQ Modulator for Net 1 Tbps/λ Transmission Using All-Electronic Equalization, a team of researchers at McGill University and Ericsson Canada, makers of telecom equipment, have demonstrated communication at 105 Gbaud with net 1 Tbps optical transmission using standard chip technology and data-encoding algorithms.
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