New dimension of fibre optics – bringing 5G to your town with IPT-Core | IPT-Core | Proyecto | Ficha informativa | H2020 | CORDIS

Descripción del proyecto

Fibra para las telecomunicaciones de próxima generación

Mucho ha cambiado desde 1982, cuando se introdujo la telefonía móvil analógica para admitir la voz analógica. El paso actual al 5G, diseñado para respaldar el internet de las cosas (IdC) y los datos masivos, hará que la infraestructura de cables tenga que soportar una demanda sin precedentes. Antes de que los usuarios puedan descargar una película de alta definición en menos de un segundo, la demanda de ancho de banda tendrá que satisfacerse con conexiones fijas de fibra óptica. El proyecto IPT-Core, financiado con fondos europeos, desarrolla una tecnología de telecomunicaciones que utiliza siete núcleos en cada fibra microestructurada como canales espaciales separados. Esto proporcionará una sustitución rentable para los clientes objetivo, como los operadores de 5G, los proveedores de servicios de FTTx, las conexiones de larga distancia y los centros de datos. El proyecto se esfuerza por convertirse en el primer proveedor de fibra óptica multinúcleo a gran escala del mundo.

Objetivo

We are on the verge of 5G arrival, the new standard bringing much higher speeds and more reliable connections to millions of end users and possibly billions of connected IoT devices. 5G networks require many more small sites than other cellular systems, and the industry agrees that their demand for bandwidth can only be met with fixed optical fibre connections. These are not available in many locations, and space in existing cable ducts is limited while accessing them is costly. At the same time, even at the speed of light, current Single-Mode Fibres have reached their theoretical capacity limit. Global IP traffic demand for urban fibre networks is forecast to grow at a blistering CAGR of 45% in the coming years. The problem is that current fibre infrastructure cannot continue to support the foreseen demand without an upgrade to carry the increased traffic beyond its theoretical capacity. However, deploying a completely new infrastructure is costly and therefore, not an option. It is a challenge to meet the growing demand using the existing infrastructure – this requires a new approach. At InPhoTech, we see this “Capacity Crunch” as an opportunity. Our patented IPT-CORE telecommunication technology uses seven cores in every single microstructured fibre as separate spatial channels, allowing the most effective use of our well-developed multiplexing methods to increase optical throughput seven times in the same physical space. By being fully compatible with existing infrastructure, IPT-CORE provides a cost-effective replacement for target customers such as 5G operators, providers of FTTx services, Long Distance Connections and Data Centres. Our ultimate goal is to become the world’s first mass-scale multicore optical fibre supplier, putting the EU at the same level as the US and Asia as global fibre providers. The technology will be held by InPhoTech and will generate a growth impact for the company of €23 million in profit 5 years after deployment.