Maximize network capacity

with Nokia Super Coherent

Technologies
Technology White Paper

Technology White Paper

Maximize network capacity with Nokia Super Coherent Technologies

Contents
Introduction 3
Super Coherent Technologies

Nokia Super Coherent: Technologies for a connected world

About the author

Abbreviations 9

Technology White Paper

Maximize network capacity with Nokia Super Coherent Technologies

Introduction
New high-speed coherent digital signal processors (DSPs), such as the Nokia
Photonic Service Engine 2 (PSE-2s), significantly enhance optical performance
while offering improved flexibility and programmability. These photonic
engines power the latest generation of high-speed optical transponders,
achieving record capacity, spectral efficiency, and optical reach. With these
programmable, multi-modulation transponders, carriers can adjust the
transponder capacity to the physical characteristics of an optical path. This
allows them to maximize network capacity and efficiency on each route.
Previous generations of coherent transponders typically relied on a single line
rate (100G) and a single modulation type (PDM-QPSK) for all applications. The
100G coherent transponders represented significant technical advancements
in high-speed optics and yielded large capacity improvements over 10G
wavelengths. But these single-modulation transponders were a one-size-fitsall solution.
The 100G transponders were a good, general-purpose fit for most
applications, but resulted in compromises on shorter optical paths and very
long routes. On shorter optical paths for example, in metro or regional
applications each optical channel is capable of transporting 200G to 250G of
capacity. The use of 100G (PDM-QPSK) transponders on metro/regional routes
underutilizes the true capabilities of the optical network. On ultra-long haul
routes, 100G PDM-QPSK modulated wavelengths may not be the best fit for
the application because they may require costly regeneration nodes.
A new generation of DSPs and transponders eliminates the need for
compromise by supporting programmable, multiple-modulation modes.
These advanced features allow carriers to optimize capacity, optical reach,
and spectral efficiency for each specific optical route. Nokia has included
these new features, collectively known as Super Coherent Technologies,
in the latest-generation PSE-2s.

Technology White Paper

Maximize network capacity with Nokia Super Coherent Technologies

Super Coherent Technologies

Super Coherent Technologies vastly improve the flexibility and performance
of optical transponders. As shown in Figure 1, Super Coherent Technologies
encompass four technology areas: multi-modulation, multiple baud rates,
flexible spectrum, and advanced coding.
Figure 1. PSE-2 Super Coherent Technologies
10011010101
10100011101
10100111101
00101011010
10010100111
01001011001
Multimodulation

Multiple baud
rates

Flexible
spectrum

Advanced
coding

Multi-modulation: Balancing capacity and reach

In optical networking, modulation is used to convert digital ones and
zeros into symbols that are transmitted over fiber. In most cases, the
modulation formats increase overall capacity by supporting the encoding
and transmission of multiple bits per symbol.
Modern coherent optical networks rely on phase modulation, primarily
polarization-division multiplexed quadrature phase-shift keying (PDM-QPSK),
to encode and transmit 100G coherent wavelengths. QPSK modulation
encodes two bits per symbol, combined with two different polarization modes
(i.e., PDM), resulting in a total of four bits transmitted. QPSK modulation
produces the familiar constellation diagram, as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. QPSK and 16QAM modulation constellation diagrams
I

Higher-complexity modulations such as 8QAM and 16QAM increase overall

capacity by encoding even more bits per symbol. With PDM-16QAM modulation,
for example, it is possible to send 200G of traffic over the same optical channel
used to transport 100G PDM-QPSK modulated signals. The higher capacity
that comes with these more advanced modulation types also results in shorter
optical reach due to the closer spacing of the constellation points. For many
metro or regional applications, the optical reach is sufficient and the higher
modulation formats provide double the capacity per wavelength.
4

Technology White Paper

Maximize network capacity with Nokia Super Coherent Technologies

The different optical modulation types offer a trade-off between capacity

and optical reach, as shown in Figure 3. Simpler modulation methods, such
as QPSK, are well suited for long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes. Highercomplexity modulations are ideal for high-capacity routes at metro and
regional distance. The new super coherent DSPs support programmable,
multiple modulation modes. These modes allow carriers to optimize both
the capacity and optical reach of the transponder for each optical path and
application.
Figure 3. Capacity vs. optical reach trade-off
Metro

Regional/long haul

Long haul/ultra-long haul

Approximate relative reach

16QAM

8QAM

Modulation

Rate

BPSK

50G

Reach
200%

QPSK

100G

100%

8QAM

200G

~ 42%

16QAM

200G

~ 21 %

QPSK

Multi-baud rate: Improving 200G optical reach

The capacity of an optical channel is based on its modulation type and baud
rate. The modulation type defines how many bits are encoded per symbol,
and the baud rate is a measure of fast the symbols are transmitted. Carriers
can increase channel capacity by using more complex modulation formats,
which encode more bits per symbol, by using faster baud rates, or by
combining both techniques.
One limitation of more complex modulations is shorter optical reach, as
described previously. An increased baud rate combined with the same
modulation type allows for longer reach and higher capacity. Baud rate
flexibility is a powerful Super Coherent Technology on next-generation DSPs.
The maximum baud rate is limited by the speed of the electronics within the
coherent DSP. For current-generation DSPs and 100G coherent transponders,
the industry utilizes DSP baud rates of approximately 32 Gbaud. Total channel
capacity is simply the baud rate (32 Gbaud) multiplied by the number of bits
per symbol (2 bits/symbol) multiplied by the two polarization modes for PDMQPSK modulation, resulting in approximately 128 Gb/s line rate. The 128 Gb/s
rate is the actual line rate of a nominal 100G signal, including soft-decision
forward error correction (SD-FEC) bits and OTN framing.
Newer, super coherent DSPs support higher baud rates, as well as the ability
to program both the baud rate and modulation type to optimize the capacity
and optical reach of each optical path. One key application enabled by
higher baud rates is the ability to transport 200G using 8QAM modulation.

Technology White Paper

Maximize network capacity with Nokia Super Coherent Technologies

Carriers have traditionally used PDM-16QAM modulation to transport 200G,

which limits its use to shorter distances. Higher baud rates allow 200G to be
transported using PDM-8QAM modulation, so carriers get the benefit of both
higher capacity and longer optical reach.
A Nokia network study compared the percentage of optical routes suitable
for 200G 16QAM and 200G 8QAM wavelengths, based on a European network
model and a North American network model, as shown in Figure 4. The
study found that 16QAM modulation posed significant limitations, especially
on North American routes where only 40 percent of the routes could be
supported. It also found that 200G 8QAM was suitable on 100 percent of
the European optical routes and more than 92 percent of all North American
optical routes. Higher baud rates and flexibility to program baud rates are
key Super Coherent Technologies enabling more efficient, cost-effective
optical networks.
Figure 4. Applicability of 200G 8QAM on WDM networks
100%

100%

% routes ecient for 200G

100
90

99%

92%

84%

80
70
60
50

40%

40
30
10
0

500

600
NA SP

700

800

900

EMEA SP

1000

200G
8QAM

200G
8QAM

200G
16QAM

20

EDFA

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

Hybrid

1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

Wavelength distance (km)

Flexible spectrum: Grouping wavelengths closer together

Traditional wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) systems support
approximately 90 channels using fixed 50 GHz spaced channels, following
the ITU-defined WDM grid pattern. However, grouping these wavelengths
slightly closer together can provide up to 120 usable channels a 30 percent
capacity improvement. Carriers require a few new techniques to group these
wavelengths closer together and maintain the same optical performance.
Newer-generation DSPs support a feature called Tx pulse shaping, sometimes
referred to as Nyquist filtering. This feature shapes and compresses each
wavelength into a slightly smaller bandwidth. With Tx pulse shaping, carriers
can transport 100G coherent signals over a 37.5 GHz channel, as opposed to
the 50 GHz channel on traditional WDM networks.

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Carriers can combine flexible grid channel spacing and Tx pulse shaping
techniques to create multi-carrier superchannels. A superchannel is a grouping
of two or more carrier wavelengths, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. Flexible spectrum benefits
Fixed 50 GHz grid

50 GHz

50 GHz

50 GHz

50 GHz

Superchannels using flexible grid

Spectrum
savings

175 GHz

A superchannel allows the inner wavelengths to be grouped closer together

instead of transporting each wavelength in individual 50 GHz channels. The
inner subcarrier channels are less exposed to optical network transmission
impairments, such as passband narrowing. The combination of Tx pulse
shaping and grouping superchannel subcarriers closer together provides
improved spectral efficiency in other words, more bits transmitted for every
Hz of spectrum. Carriers can use the spectrum savings to carry additional
channels and capacity.

Advanced coding: The secret sauce

Super Coherent Technologies include advanced coding methods and
techniques, many of which are considered highly proprietary by vendors.
However, some of the generic techniques being developed in the industry can
be disclosed. These include stronger SD-FEC, coded modulation, and symbol
encoding/decoding flexibility.
SD-FEC is a powerful error detection and correction algorithm implemented
on current-generation DSPs. Each vendor has its own proprietary SD-FEC
algorithm. In general, these algorithms provide about 11 dB net coding
gain. Some vendors are implementing stronger second-generation SD-FEC
algorithms, sometimes referred to as ultra SD-FEC. These new algorithms
provide higher net coding gains, resulting in longer optical reach compared
to existing SD-FEC implementations.
SD-FEC is applied and processed at the frame layer, within the electrical
domain inside coherent DSPs. It is also possible to improve error performance
at the optical layer, by way of the modulated symbols themselves.

Technology White Paper

Maximize network capacity with Nokia Super Coherent Technologies

This technique is referred to as coded modulation. The use of coded

modulation formats along with the newer ultra SD-FEC algorithms offers
substantial performance improvements.
Finally, there are different techniques for encoding and decoding the
modulated symbols. These techniques offer different performance levels
based on each method. As described previously, coherent optical networks
use modulation to encode digital ones and zeros into symbols transmitted
on the fiber. The result is a phase modulated constellation pattern, like the
sample 100G QPSK modulation shown in Figure 2.
The encoding and decoding of these symbols occur in the transmitter,
coherent receiver, and DSP, based on either differential encoding or absolute
encoding of the phase. The two encoding methods determine how the
coherent receiver tracks and decodes the modulated constellation phases
and converts the symbols back into ones and zeros. Each encoding method,
differential or absolute, offers advantages depending on the application.
Super coherent DSPs implement robust symbol decoding including advanced
polarization tracking, phase tracking, and cycle-slip mitigation algorithms to
prevent fiber impairments and network disruptions from causing burst errors
in the transmission. Naturally occurring phenomena, such as the lightning
strike-induced state-of-polarization changes described in Lightning Affects
Coherent Optical Transmission in Aerial Fiber (Lightwave, 2 March 2016), have
been largely resolved by advanced polarization and phase-tracking algorithms.
Ideally, super coherent DSPs will offer differential and absolute encoding
options, along with a broad range of multi-modulation and baud rate options.

Nokia Super Coherent: Technologies for a

connected world
The latest generation of DSPs, such as the Nokia PSE-2s, includes several
new and powerful enhancements, collectively referred to as Super Coherent
Technologies. This collection of technologies includes multiple modulation
modes, multiple baud rates, Tx pulse shaping, superchannels, and advanced
coding techniques.
When combined, Super Coherent Technologies offer a vast improvement in
capacity and optical reach compared to current-generation transponders.
They also offer the flexibility to program and tune optical transponder
capacity and optical reach to each specific optical path. These new super
coherent DSPs, and their corresponding optical transponders, improve optical
performance, increase network capacity, enhance spectral efficiency, and
lower the overall transport cost per bit for optical networks. With the PSE-2s,
Nokia is providing the next generation of super coherent technologies for the
connected world.
8

Technology White Paper

Maximize network capacity with Nokia Super Coherent Technologies

About the author

Randy Eisenach is responsible for optical networks product marketing at Nokia.
He specializes in optical transport technologies, next-generation wavelength
routing architectures, and high-speed photonics.
Randy has over 25 years of optical transport and networking experience and
has held a wide range of senior level positions in systems engineering, product
management, and product marketing. He has authored several papers and
spoken at many industry conferences. Randy recently joined Nokia after
previously holding similar positions at Fujitsu and Nortel.
Randy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue
University (BSEE 83).

Abbreviations
dB

decibel

DSP

digital signal processor

FEC

forward error correction

Gbaud gigabaud
GHz gigahertz
ITU

International Telecommunication Union

PSE-2

Photonic Service Engine 2

PDM

polarization-division multiplexing

QAM

quadrature amplitude modulation

QPSK

quadrature phase-shift keying

SD-FEC

soft-decision forward error correction

WDM

wavelength-division multiplexing

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