Researchers develop a core optical communications device

A group of Korean researchers have developed a core optical communications device that can enable data transmission at the speed of 400GBs per second. At this speed, 50 films can be downloaded every second. It is projected to solve the exponential growth of communication traffic and bring about the 5th Generation (5G) mobile networks.

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced Tuesday that it succeeded in developing an optic data transmission device, which had been imported before. The transmission speed is 400Gbps, four times faster than existing devices (100Gbps).

This will accelerate domestic development of optic devices. The research institute have applied for 17 patents in Korea and overseas, and transferred seven technologies to domestic businesses. Its new goal is to develop a 1Tbps device in three years. The research results will be presented at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference 2018, which will be held for seven days from Sunday.


kyungeun@donga.com