Localization
A Korean research team has succeeded in developing next-gen optical networking equipment that can deliver 100 times faster 10Gbps Internet service. As a result, it will be possible to localize optical networking equipment that connects households, telephone companies, data centers, and large cities.
The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on Nov. 26 that it has successfully developed optical networking equipment capable of transporting data at 10Gbps and a 3.2Tbps-level Optical Carrier Ethernet system, which makes 10Gbps Internet service possible on backbone. It has also successfully finished performance tests through the Korea Advanced Research Network (KOREN). The use of these systems in optical networks will allow users to transmit a file the size of a movie in just four seconds.
Currently, the optical networking equipment market is dominated by foreign companies like Cisco and Huawei. Local companies have manufactured only transmission equipment or equipment for subscribers so far, but they will soon be able to compete with foreign firms for optical networking equipment thanks to ETRI’s development of the new technology that integrates the new equipment.
Communications companies could complete the work to install a separate line for network access within minutes, since it will be possible to make one inclusive system by combining optical fiber, lines, and packet equipment. This will lead to reducing the costs needed to install and operate networks. The technology was chosen as an international standard for the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) and Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
ETRI is planning to make an investment in the technology aimed at making 100 times faster optical transceivers for optical network subscribers, and to commercialize it early next year by establishing a research company.
Jung Hyun-kyu, head of the Communications & Internet Research Laboratory at ETRI, said, “With the development of the technology, medium and small communications equipment companies will be able to supply a total solution from subscriber networks to transmission networks. So, they are expected to improve global competitiveness and turn over more than 100 billion won per year.” Jung added, “The technology could be used in 5G, cloud computing, the Internet of Things industry, and high-quality multi-media services.”
Meanwhile, the global optical Carrier Ethernet market was estimated at US$30 billion last year, and the market is expected to be worth US$42.8 billion in 2017.