G.655
With the introduction of
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) zero-dispersion does not work well. Four Wave Mixing amongst the transmission channels became a new limiter. So Chromatic Dispersion was reintroduced in the fibre although at much less numbers than in the G.652 fibre.
Chromatic Dispersion could be repaired by means of Dispersion Compensating Modules – in essence a short spool of fibre with a very steep reversed Chromatic Dispersion. Polarization Mode Dispersion could not be repaired and a lot of diferent initiatives were taken to limit it both in fibre and cable production. These Dispersion Compensating Modules are also installed in great numbers in G.652 networks. While they work splendidly, they have three drawbacks: added price, added attenuation and added PMD.
Key optical parameters of G.655 were Chromatic Dispersion and dispersion slope as well as Polarization Mode dispersion. It remained the optimal choice until RAMAN based amplifier systems came around.
G.656
The RAMAN based amplifier pumps light into the fibre at approximately 100 nm below the wavelength it shall amplify. Since the G.655 fibres have a Zero Dispersion Wavelength between the pump and the transmission, Four Wave Mixing occurred frequently between the two limiting the transmission range. The G.656 was the answer. Not only does it place its Zero Dispersion Wavelength below the pump light, some manufacturers choose a lower Mode Field Diameter, which counter intuitively – in fact is an advantage for RAMAN based systems.
G.654
The observant reader will notice that I address G.654 after G.656. Indeed the G.654 was invented and standardized by ITU after G.653. The terminology in the naming of the standards follows chronology. However, the G.654 fibre was originally developed especially for transoceanic cables. The design rules of these cables are significantly diferent from terrestrial applications for a range of reasons like availability of electrical power, number of submarine repeater stations, dispersion management etc.
And since we discuss terrestrial cables here the G.654 is a new fibre. This fibre is characterized by having a very large efective area.
With the introduction of coherent transmission there was an actual disruption in the long haul / high speed optical world. Earlier Chromatic Dispersion and Polarization Dispersion were the major speed limiters in the optical network. With coherent transmission systems taking care of these previously troublesome optical distortions, today’s speed limiter becomes the amount of optical power that can be inserted into the fibre without hitting the noise floor limit.
The illustration is based upon 4 fibres and their individual performance.
Download whitepaper
