Energy Challenges in Current and Future Optical Transmission Networks

How energy constraints might shape future optical communication networks and the impact that current technology trends may have on future energy use are examined.

Abstract

In this paper, we examine how energy constraints might shape future optical communication networks and the impact that current technology trends may have on future energy use. Historical factors and prevailing complications associated with fiber capacity point to an increased focus on energy to enable tighter photonic and electronic component integration and larger networks. Energy requirements and associated challenges are described at the component, system, and network level.