10 Gbit/s long haul soliton versus NRZ optical transmission in the 1300nm window

We have compared the operation and applicability of soliton transmission systems versus NRZ (Non Return to Zero) transmission systems for the 1300nm optical window. For a dIfferent number of in-line amplifiers the BER (Bit Error Rate) curves of both transmission systems have been simulated. For both systems the same fibre dispersion and attenuation has been assumed and all amplifier gains have been chosen so that the fibre losses are compensated for. In case of the soliton system an extra dispersion shifted fibre has been located directly after the laser diode to unchirp and compress the laserpulses. With respect to the BER simulations, soliton and NRZ transmission systems are expected to be competitive. Transmission exhibiting an error probability below 10-9 is attainable for both systems Under equal circumstances, we conclude from our simulations that soliton systems show better BER performance than NRZ systems beyond 450 km. Owing to the dispersion compensating properties soliton transmission systems are advantageous when long haul transmission is considered. However, NRZ transmission is both a well established and relatively simple technique and can be more readily implemented.