Abstract

At present fiber networks only utilize at most 1% of the potential capacity (30 THz) because of electronic bandwidth limitations, both within the network itself and at the user access points. The ARPA Broadband Information Technology (BIT) program aims to develop the advanced network technologies, architectures and protocols to access the 30 THz bandwidth utilizing multiple channels (WDM) and pico second optical pulses (TDM). Moreover, the BIT program also seeks to advance the transparency to data format in network communication where signal regeneration in the electronic domain can be eliminated. At present, the program supports four major consortia (MONET, NTONC, ICON and WEST) with members composed of telecommunication companies, electronic manufacturers, DOD and DOE laboratories, and academia. The program cost is heavily cost shared (up to 50%) by the commercial companies. The BIT program also supports smaller but very innovative efforts.

© 1995 IEEE