multiterabit

Multiterabit refers to communication systems designed to deliver data rates in the multi-terabit-per-second range, typically achieved by aggregating a very large number of channels and exploiting advanced multiplexing, modulation, and coding techniques. The term is most commonly used in optical communications to describe backbone and data-center interconnect links where ultra-high capacity is required.

In practical terms, multiterabit-capable links combine dense wavelength-division multiplexing with coherent detection, high-order modulation formats, and sophisticated forward error correction. Space-division multiplexing over multi-core or few-mode fibers is also pursued to multiply capacity by using separate spatial paths. Together, these approaches create aggregated throughputs that exceed a single fiber’s traditional capacity while maintaining reach and signal integrity.

Key enabling technologies include dense channel spacing and superchannels, coherent optical receivers, probabilistic shaping, advanced forward-error-correcting codes, and powerful digital signal processing. Optical amplification, dispersion management, and careful control of nonlinear effects are essential to sustain such high rates over long distances.

Applications of multiterabit links are primarily in internet backbones, inter-data-center connections, and research networks, where enormous data volumes and low latency are critical. The concept also informs ongoing work toward scalable, energy-efficient infrastructure for cloud services, large-scale HPC interconnects, and next-generation mobile networks.

Challenges remain, including managing fiber nonlinearity, dispersion, cost, power consumption, and equipment complexity. While laboratory demonstrations have shown multi-terabit-per-second aggregate rates, translating these gains to widespread deployment requires advances in components, integration, and network architecture.