100G Ethernet and OTU4 testing challenges: From the lab to the field

The combination of digital media, personal computing, and global networking is creating a radical shift in the telecom industry. However, the transport backbone, which was built on 10G wavelengths, is nearing capacity and is driving the need for upgrades to 40G and 100G. 100G Ethernet and OTU4 bring new fundamental concepts, which require new training and new testing. 100G Ethernet and OTU4 equipment is currently in development or in trial, and the next phase is to deploy this equipment in the field. This article is mostly based on the work done by IEEE P802.3ba and ITU-T Study Group 15 to provide an overview of how 100G Ethernet and OTU4 are different from previous technologies, and includes guidance on which tests need to be performed with these emerging technologies. 112G line side testing is also briefly discussed.