Abstract

In this paper the history of channel speed development of optical transport networks, from a few MbI/s to beyond 100 GbI/s, is reviewed. A new channel type categorization, which divided various channel designs into only three basic channel types, has been proposed. Based on the new categorization distinguishable performances of the three types of channels are analyzed and the future direction of optical channel designs is predicted.

© 2011 Optical Society of America