NEC performs world’s first successful trial of real-time 1Tb/s superchannel transmission over a trans-oceanic distance

NEC recently performed the world’s first successful trial of real-time 1Tb/s super-channel transmission using 100GbE subcarriers over a trans-oceanic distance. With 100 GB/s technologies now commercially deployed, the focus of recent development is turning to high capacity channels, beyond 100Gb/s, with more efficient bandwidth utilization. As part of this movement, NEC has proposed optical superchannels to increase fiber capacity in both terrestrial and submarine networks. Optical superchannels are based on advanced technologies such as parallel high-speed transceivers, advanced modulation formats and advanced pulse shaping.


Superchannels constitute a practical platform for next-generation submarine systems specifically designed to help carriers to significantly increase transmission capacity in a cost efficient, scalable and flexible manner. As a result of these proposals, NEC successfully tested a 1Tb/s superchannel for submarine ultra-long haul systems that uses the latest optical and digital technologies to provide traffic management flexibility and improve transmission performance over ultra-long haul transmission distances.