Fujitsu Network Communications (News - Alert), a provider of IT and wireline/wireless networking solutions, has teamed with Indiana University (IU) on breakthrough research about the effects that Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) can have on specific wavelengths traveling at 40 Gbps or more.

 

“Our collaboration with Fujitsu has allowed us to interact with the scientists from one of the leading research entities in optical networking,” said Brad Wheeler, vice president for information technology and CIO at Indiana University.

 

“Together, using advanced technology from Fujitsu, we were able to discover several optical characteristics that will have a profound implication on high speed networking across the globe. Our experience continues to be extremely positive, and we look forward to future research projects with Fujitsu.”

 

The Global Research Network Operations Center (GRNOC) of IU offers dark fiber between Indianapolis and Bloomington, Indiana, together with access to patch panels, electrical power, the Internet, and physical space to conduct the tests. Fujitsu and IU teamed on the test plan to ensure that collected data can be used to influence future optical networking research and commercial products.

 

Fujitsu and IU are examining the test results, and have co-authored several technical papers about their findings, including one that was presented at the recent OFC/NFOEC conference and exhibition in San Diego, and one that will be presented at the OECC/ACOFT 2008 conference in Australia. Additional results will be presented at the upcoming Internet2 Joint Techs Workshop in July 2008.

 

“We greatly appreciate the generosity of the university, which is allowing us to conduct our research in a real-world setting during a variety of environmental changes,” said Takao Naito, director of Fujitsu Laboratories of America.

 

 “This experiment and the data we are obtaining as a result are proof that research collaboration between corporate and university entities can result in optical networking breakthroughs and an invaluable experience for university and corporate researchers. We will continue to look for opportunities to collaborate with R&E institutions through our active involvement with Internet2.”