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Telecommunications systems

Breakthrough in Fiber-Optic Technology: Lucent Announces 50% Increase in Data Transmission Capacity

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at Lucent Technologies have successfully developed a new fiber-optic cable that can transmit data at a 50% higher wavelength, potentially leading to faster data transmission, enhanced phone and television services, and lower costs. The breakthrough, achieved by a team of 40 scientists at the company's Norcross plant, could have significant implications for the telecommunications industry. According to Lucent spokesman Roger Frizzell, the new fiber will give telephone and cable companies the ability to do more at lower cost, opening up new possibilities for the industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new fiber-optic cable can transmit data at a 50% higher wavelength, enabling faster data transmission and more efficient use of existing infrastructure.
  • The breakthrough was achieved by a team of 40 scientists at Lucent's Norcross plant, working with manufacturing experts.
  • The new fiber is expected to be produced at Lucent's Norcross plant, which has already been expanded with a $350 million investment.
  • The expansion of the plant may require additional staff to meet growing demand for the new fiber.
  • The new fiber is estimated to be a multimillion-dollar market, with Lucent employing about 6,800 people in metro Atlanta.
  • The company's fiber-optics plant in Norcross has produced 24 million miles of fiber since 1972.
  • The new fiber can carry data transmission speeds of up to 10 gigabits a second, compared to the typical 2.5 gigabits a second of standard fiber.
  • The new fiber has a wavelength of about 100 nanometers, which can be used to add features and speed.
  • Lucent has invented a process to remove nearly all water molecules from the fiber, freeing space to carry light.
  • The new fiber is expected to have significant implications for the telecommunications industry, from phone and television services to data transmission and internet traffic.

Statistics:

  • 50% increase in data transmission capacity of the new fiber.
  • 100 nanometers of additional wavelength in the new fiber, or 100 millionths of a meter.
  • Data transmission speeds of up to 10 gigabits a second in the new fiber.
  • 24 million miles of fiber produced by Lucent's Norcross plant since 1972.
  • 6,800 people employed by Lucent in metro Atlanta, including 3,000 at the Atlanta Works in Norcross.
  • $350 million expansion of Lucent's 2 million-square-foot plant in Norcross.
  • Lucent's new fiber is estimated to be a multimillion-dollar market.

Sources:

  • Michael E. Kanell, "Lucent Scientists Develop a Fiber-Optic Breakthrough," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (no date provided).
  • Lucent Technologies, press release (no date provided).

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