For example, the Tri-Edge CDR ICs, GN2255 and GN2256, enable near-zero delay variation and more than 20% power reduction compared to digital signal processor (DSP) technology. It also doubles the bandwidth of currently deployed 25 Gbit/s non-return-to-zero (NRZ) fronthaul links. By integrating Tri-Edge into localized data centers at the edge of your network, your wireless network can increase processing power closer to the consumer, improving performance and avoiding latency.
Optical technology will also make future wireless networks more sustainable. According to a report by analyst firm ABI Research, 5G is 90% more efficient than 4G in terms of energy consumption per unit of traffic, but it takes a while for 5G base stations to provide the same coverage as 4G networks. requires three times as much energy.
Semtech estimates that optical ICs like those in the Tri-Edge family can save up to 1 TWh of energy and 384,000 tons of CO.2 Annual emissions from optical links in data centers and wireless systems. This is the energy equivalent to powering 100,000 homes. Integrating power-saving optical technology makes the digital transformation era more sustainable.
Use cases supported by wireless network optical technology
Optical technology opens up a world of connected use cases across industries. Optical technology will enable wireless networks to handle increased data transfers with less power and cost, powering exciting use cases such as remote surgery, self-driving cars, smart cities, and AI.
For example, robotic telesurgery can provide extreme and urgent medical services and highly specialized skills around the world, but it is dependent on network performance, especially latency.
What does the future hold for 5G, 5.5G and 6G?
5G is at an interesting tipping point. Consumers expect carriers to deliver on their 5G promises, but carriers and infrastructure providers face upgrade challenges before they can begin to realize new use cases.
On that front, Semtech is helping customers deploy Tri-Edge technology, laying the foundation for today’s next-generation networks. The company is also working with the industry ecosystem to reimagine what wireless infrastructure strategy and innovation will look like over the next 15 years.