O-band tech can reduce the cost of building 5G networks

29-09-2022 | Salumanus | Design & Manufacture

Salumanus is one of the first companies to reintroduce a complete network solution based on O-band, a type of optical transmission with notable cost-saving advantages for 5G networks. After months of testing, the GBC Photonics QSFP28 optical modules and multiplexers are now available.

Devices that employ O-band transmission can help save 50% in network building costs and lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) by about 80%.

Fibre-optic communication is generally conducted in the wavelength region where optical fibres have small transmission loss. Wavelength regions are divided into five bands: O-, E-, S-, C- and L-bands. O-band or original band was the main band employed in telecommunications due to its zero chromatic dispersion. With its transmission range between 1260nm to 1360nm, O-band was the basis for creating lasers and detectors.

The optical modules and multiplexers are some of the first ones released on the telecom market. They enable operators to send multiple 100G transmissions over a distance of up to 30km, employing the technology of wave multiplication (WDM) based on a 200GHz grid. The company has already introduced eight channel solutions and continues research to double this number.

The detector technology employed in the QSFP28 100G O-Band transceiver brings another innovative feature – the wideband receiver. Thanks to this, transceivers can be used in single and dual fibre applications and help make migration from lower speeds to 100G easier.

“5G and 6G network base stations are currently built using 10G and 25G connection, but due to increasing data demand, we will soon need to upgrade those connections to 100G,” said Marcin Bala, CEO of Salumanus. “One way to do so in an effective and economical way is through multiplexers and modules based on O-band. The solutions we offer at Salumanus can cover distances of up to 30km while providing the required passive infrastructure for easier management and lower energy consumption.”

Similarly, O-bands will benefit small and medium-sized data centres and ISP operators, which currently rely on multiple 10G connections. An O-band solution is a real option for easy migration in these cases.

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By Seb Springall

Seb Springall is a seasoned editor at Electropages, specialising in the product news sections. With a keen eye for the latest advancements in the tech industry, Seb curates and oversees content that highlights cutting-edge technologies and market trends.