Internet users in Europe and North America will have more data to explore; thanks to Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and Nokia Corp (ADR)(NYSE:NOK). It will no longer be about the undersea fiber optic lines because the duo has discovered a new technique that can enhance transmission speeds. The technique, which has already been tested on a 5,500-kilometer will involve the use of a fiber line, which has 2.5 times its stated capacity.
The technique was developed at Nokia Bell Labs and its testing was through probabilistic constellation shaping commonly known as PCS. It enhances the network’s flexibility for an utmost performance of selective fiber. Thus it is expected to help the social network in carrying on with the rampant expansion of video and virtual reality.
With greater undersea capacity, comes lower cost
Facebook has invested in several submarine cables perhaps because every fiber in the ground has its specialty. However, its ability to carry data is dependent on its length and the nature of the glass it is made off among other things.
It worth noting that increased undersea transmission rates help in cutting user costs. Hence we will be right to say that higher efficiency is just good for business promotion. In commending the social network’s move, Dr. Stephen Grubb, Facebook’s global optical network architect says, “Facebook wants to increase the pace of innovation and adoption of next-generation optical technologies.”
But it is likely to be a while before the upgrades arrive in earnest
The experimental link managed to wring out a speed of up to 250Gbps. The two companies now have this believe that they can incline the efficiency of the line to 32Tbps per fiber. On the other hand, Nokia is seeking to increase the efficiency of its equipment. Furthermore, Facebook pays the same amount for the cable regardless of the data put in it.
However, while all these upgrades could help fiber line operators in meeting the ever-increasing internet demands, they may take the time to yield the desired results. It now remains to be seen the next steps that the companies will be taking in speeding up the process. Meanwhile, Facebook’s stock closed at $138.51 a fall of 1.43 or .02% while that of Nokia closed at $5.40 a fall of $ 0.14 or 2.53%.