Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today announced the release of the industry's first programmable 2T WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) prototype. The  prototype increases the maximum data rate by 20–fold, from 100Gb/s to 2Tb/s per-channel, and expands the fiber capacity to 56Tb/s  by utilizing both the  C and L band's wavelengths – meaning it is now possible for two billion people to communicate simultaneously through just one pair of fibers.

"As our world becomes ever more digitized, Huawei works to accelerate the development of next-generation optical telecommunications networks in order to provide the highest quality communications services to our customers around the world,” said Jack Wang, President of Huawei Transport Network Product Line. “In 2012, we launched the world's first 10 petabit all-optical switch prototype, the highest spectrum efficiency WDM prototype, the first pan-European 400G field trial, and the programmable 2T WDM prototype this time."

By implementing intelligent digital signal processing and high performance adaptive-SD FEC technologies, the Huawei prototype greatly improves spectrum efficiency and increases the maximum transmission capacity. Along with G.652 fiber and common EDFAs, the 2T signals with 300GHz spectral width can transmit over a distance of 1,000km without electrical regeneration, symbolizing a breakthrough in the high-speed transmission telecommunications industry.

The prototype also uses unique flex transceiver technology – a key part of the software-defined OTN (a new architecture of the next-generation optical transport network) developed by Huawei – that enables a programmable network controller to configure parameters such as the number of subcarriers, subcarrier spacing, modulation codes and FEC modes, achieving flexible adjustments in areas including line rates, transmission distances and transmission capacity. This allows the transport network to turn the resources into the programmable "resilient tunnels", and as a result, offer a more flexible network and efficient system to users.

Huawei has deployed 100G WDM networks for more than 30 operators worldwide. According to the consultancy firm Ovum, Huawei ranked No. 1 in the global optical network, WDM/OTN, and 40G and 100G network markets as of Q1 2012.