In-Field n × 40 Gb/s Transmission Experiments with In-Line All-Optical Wavelength Conversion

• Published in: Fiber and integrated optics 2005-09, Vol.24 (5), p.471-489
• Main Authors: Schiffini, A., Paoletti, A., Caccioli, D., Minzioni, P., Suche, H., Lee, Y. L., Galtarossa, A., Griggio, P., Lorenzetto, G., Matera, F., Tosi-Beleffi, G. M., Curti, F., Guglielmucci, M., Cascelli, S., Lattanzi, L., Vidmar, Matjaz, Monteiro, P. P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Systems, networks and services of telecommunications; Telecommunications; Telecommunications and information theory; Transmission and modulation (techniques and equipments)
• ISSN: 0146-8030; 1096-4681
• DOI: 10.1080/01468030590966571

In this work, WDM transmission with 40-Gbit/s per channel bit rate has been experimentally demonstrated over a 500-km link. Different chromatic dispersion conditions have been managed and in-line all-optical wavelength conversion has been carried out with a periodical poled lithium niobate (PPLN) device in a polarization-independent scheme. The link was obtained by connecting the fibers contained in an installed cable between Roma and Pomezia (25 km), encompassing single-mode (G.652) and high-end (G.655, non-zero dispersion with a particular value and flat curve for chromatic dispersion) fibers. Some 40 Gb/s channels were propagated in the link 500 km long and one channel was dropped from the link after 300-km propagation, wavelength converted, and added to the other channels for the next 200 km. The electrical data interfaces exploited a 4 × 10 Gbit/s to 1 × 40 Gbit/s MUX at the transmitter, along with a 1 × 40 Gbit/s to 4 × 10 Gbit/s DMUX at the receiver. Successful transmission of 4 channels, 200-GHz spaced, has been achieved over 500 km along both G.652 and G.655 links. No evidence of penalty comparing converted and unconverted channels has been reported. Transmission experiments of 8 × 40 Gbit/s, with 100 GHz frequency spacing, are also reported. No significant degradation has been observed in the case of the G.652 link.