The volume of user traffic on carrier networks is growing at between 20% and 40% per year and if this trend continues as expected then optical transport networks will become overstretched without a significant increase in capacity beyond that currently planned by operators.
The solution to this problem is likely to include a mix of new technologies, expanded bandwidths, network autonomy and many more fiber links, up to 10x in the next ten years. Understanding and solving these challenges is the key focus of the IEEE-SA Optical Networks 2020 (ON2020) group that includes individuals from leading carriers, equipment manufacturers and component vendors.
During a workshop on the show floor at OFC 2019 in San Diego this month, the ON2020 group presented some initial findings and gave an insight into the challenges the industry faces and the ongoing work within ON2020 to understand these challenges and identify solutions.