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Telecommunications companies need to expand signal transmission rates through their fiber optic networks, as consumers demand more telecommunications capacity. Expanding the current platform of 10Gb per second transmission rate to a 40Gb per second rate, poses more stringent requirements on the existing fiber-optic networks. Effects such as chromatic dispersion and Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) distort optical signals at these higher transmission rates and represent a major barrier to higher transmission rates.
In 2005, a three-way, collaborative research project was formed that involved faculty in KU's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department and two international telecommunication companies. The project focused on developing new methods to monitor overall optical network performance, including PMD effects.
The KU team included faculty and students and developed unique, non-intrusive monitoring methods that require only a very small percentage of the signal carried in the system be analyzed to monitor the overall network performance. This is allows the network to stay active and not be taken off-line, the approach currently used to monitor network performance.
The KU research team performed field tests at network switching stations at different locations in the United States. The research is helping both companies evaluate new hardware upgrades and signal transmission management.
To explore possible collaboration with KU, please contact:
Carey Novak
Director | Business Relations and Development
KU Center for Research, Inc.
The University of Kansas
2385 Irving Hill Rd.
Lawrence, KS 66045-7563
785-864-9004 | cnovak@ku.edu
1-877-865-9932
785-864-5272 fax
