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Capacity Explorer
Explore how optical system parameters contribute to aggregate transmission capacity.
Scenario A
288Tb/s
12 × 1 × 60 × 400 Gb/s = 288,000 Gb/s per direction
12 spatial paths · bar fill = channel occupancy
Educational capacity model. Results illustrate arithmetic capacity relationships and do not constitute a validated submarine cable design.
Assumptions and what this model does not determine
- Symmetric fibre pairs and equal performance across all channels.
- Whether the spectral allocation is feasible, or signal quality meets requirements.
- Whether enough electrical power is available, or the target ocean reach can be met.
- Whether fibre, repeater and cable dimensions can be manufactured, installed and qualified.
- Actual activated capacity or traffic demand.
Interactive cable system
Inside a transoceanic system
Purpose
Restore optical power at intervals along the route, typically every several tens of kilometres.
Principle
Optical amplifiers (commonly erbium-doped fibre amplifiers) boost all wavelengths at once without converting to electrical signals.
Limitations
Every amplifier adds noise; amplified noise accumulates over thousands of kilometres. Repeaters do not remove degradation.
Connects to
Each pump laser draws electrical power fed from shore.
Conceptual, not to scale. Repeater spacing and the power curve are illustrative. Read the technology overview →