Abstract

Plans for International undersea lightwave systems in 1988 call for the installation of three major systems: TAT-8; HAW-IV; and TPC-3. These cable systems represent a radical departure from previous intercontinental undersea cables. TAT-8 is the first long-haul undersea system to use digital transmission, optical transmission, integrated circuits in the repeaters, an undersea branching capability, and a supervisory system capable of in-service monitor and control of the undersea repeaters. Even before these systems are installed, however, new system designs are emerging which offer higher capacity and use optical transmission technology at longer wavelengths.

© 1988 Optical Society of America