Optical networks have transformed the way that data is carried for all types of communications. They have allowed a massive increase in the capacity and reliability of data traffic; 99% of all data is carried on optical fibre. The challenge now is to increase the data carrying capacity of fibre networks to support the continual growth in traffic. The BBC uses fibre to distribute content both internally and also to our audiences. The BBC's content will make up a significant amount of the traffic of optical networks as more of our audience chooses to receive content delivered over IP rather than traditional broadcasting means.

The UNLOC project is a collaboration between UCL and Aston University to investigate optical communication networks with the aim of increasing the capacity of current networks. BBC R&D have sponsored a PhD student, Daniel Elson, who has carried out some fundamental research on the testing of fibre capacity. The result of his work is a simplification of the method of measurement of the data carrying capacity of fibre optic cable. This will enable researchers to test newly developed optical fibre transmission systems much more quickly and at a fraction of the current cost.

You can read about Daniel Elson’s research on the UNLOC website. His paper “High Spectral Density Transmission Emulation Using ASE Noise as a Substitute for Nyquist-Spaced Channels” is to be published in OSA Optics Letters.