Conventional G.652.D optical fibers struggle to transmit data rates of 800 Gbps or higher over distances greater than a few hundred kilometers. Over longer distances, such as between two data centers, signal regeneration or optical amplification is required, adding complexity and costs for network owners.
“With AI, cloud services, and the growth of hyperscale data centers dramatically increasing bandwidth demand, telecom infrastructure must evolve to support high-capacity, long-distance transmission,” says Xavier Renard, Telecom Marketing Director at ACOME. “It’s also critical that we consider network longevity. A network is not a static asset. It’s constantly evolving, so it’s essential that the fiber used is selected correctly to support future bandwidth requirements for decades of use.”
ACOME and Sumitomo Electric have developed a new hybrid solution that allows network operators to deploy a single, universal cable that supports both current and future network needs. Upgrading to 800G and higher requires fewer repeaters to amplify optical signals and can also eliminate the need for signal regeneration.
Their solution combines two existing fiber grades to provide a cable solution that enables longer transmission distances, higher data rates per wavelength, and reduced infrastructure requirements—key factors for energy-efficient, scalable, and future-proof optical transport networks.
™ fibers , compliant with the ITU-T G.654.E standard, are contributing to the long-term evolution of network and transmission technologies. For example, combining G.654.E with G.652.D can maximize flexibility and future-proof the network,” added Fumiyoshi Ohkubo, General Manager of the Market Development and Engineering Department of Sumitomo Electric’s Fiber and Cable Division.
This hybrid approach paves the way for future high-capacity upgrades using coherent transmission and enables a smoother migration to next-generation network architectures
without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul.
Beyond performance, the cable offers sustainability advantages. By reducing the number of repeaters and regenerators needed in a long-distance link, it directly contributes to lower energy consumption and equipment footprint. For operators working towards more environmentally friendly networks, fiber selection now plays a critical role in achieving these goals.
One of the key advantages is the ability to migrate gradually. By combining G.652.D and G.654.E fibers, operators can move to higher capacity architectures without completely renewing existing infrastructure, allowing for a smoother "network evolution".
