NBN Co trials "super-channel" transmission with Coriant

The trial also demonstrated the flexible allocation of the super-channel by placing it in three separate locations within the c-band which maximises use of existing fibre resources.

This capability, in conjunction with the improvements in spectral efficiency, provides a maximum theoretical transmission capacity of 13 Tbps on existing hardware and fibre over a distance greater than 1,000km.

The analysis of the results from the trial in conjunction with equipment test results showed that a calculated distance of 1,600 kilometres could be achieved.

NBN Co's Chief Technology Officer, Gary McLaren, said he was pleased with the results of the trial.

"It highlights how established backbone infrastructure can be upgraded with sophisticated optical and electronic equipment to provide extra capacity for the future needs of the National Broadband Network," he said.