ECOC 2023 Recap

The European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) 2023, held in Glasgow, brought together industry experts, innovators, and enthusiasts eager to explore the latest advancements in optical networking. As the event unfolded, several trends emerged, illuminating the future of optical communications.

1. The Race for 800G and Beyond

One of the most exciting revelations at ECOC 2023 was the introduction of cutting-edge 800G optical transceivers, heralding a new era of higher data transmission speeds. Attendees were captivated by live demonstrations of 1.6T optics, showcasing remarkable progress in optical networking. Furthermore, numerous suppliers have expanded their product lines to encompass both 400G and 800G optics, signifying a significant shift in the industry's landscape.

The competition between QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density) and OSFP (Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable) for the preferred form factor of these high-speed transceivers remains ongoing, with no clear frontrunner yet.

2. Advancements in Components for Extended DWDM Reach

Another noteworthy development at ECOC was the enhancement of optical components, potentially revolutionizing DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) services. These improvements hint at the possibility of offering 25G DWDM services with reach capabilities of up to 40 kilometers on passive DWDM systems. These innovations open up new avenues for extending optical network reach without the complexity and expense associated with active equipment.

3. The Outlook on PON: 10G, 25G, or 50G?

ECOC 2023 fostered discussions about the future of Passive Optical Networks (PON). With the growing demand for higher bandwidth and the proliferation of data-intensive applications, network operators are contemplating a transition from 10G PON to even faster speeds. Debates center around whether the industry will adopt 25G PON or make a more audacious leap to 50G PON.

This evolution in PON technology underscores the significance of products like co-existing WDM filters. These filters empower operators to optimize their existing infrastructure while seamlessly accommodating the heightened bandwidth requirements of next-generation PON systems. As operators explore their options, co-existing WDM filters are poised to gain even more relevance, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution.

ECOC 2023 offered a glimpse into a future where optical networking continues to push boundaries, providing faster speeds and extended reach capabilities. As the industry progresses, these innovations promise to revolutionize the way we connect and communicate, ushering in an era of heightened connectivity and efficiency.