We meet future capacity demand before it arrives

There is a fundamental limit to the quantity of error-free information that can be transmitted over any communication channel. We are fast approaching that boundary. Bell Labs, however, doesn’t view Shannon’s limit as an obstacle, but rather as a guidepost pointing us in new directions of optical innovation. We’re moving beyond increasing bitrates over a single optical wavelength, to exploring the huge levels of capacity unlocked by multi-fiber, multi-mode and multi-core technologies. Bell Labs is researching the potential of optical fiber in new settings, whether in the data center or feeding end devices. And we’re re-envisioning the role of the optical networks not merely as a means of transferring information, but as a platform for sensing, analytics and automation.

Tod sizer

Quantum physics is reshaping the fundamentals of networking

Quantum physics is reshaping the fundamentals of networkingNokia Bell Labs is manipulating photons of light in new ways, leading to new possibilities in optical communications.

 

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Meet our optical researchers

The women driving Nokia research and innovation

Learn what inspires the women who are at the forefront of Nokia research and standards development.

Innovator spotlight

Bell Labs and Keysight set a new record in coherent optical transmission

Project members

2023 IEEE Photonics Society Distinguished Service Award

Nicolas K. Fontaine recognized for outstanding contributions to the mentorship and education of students and young professionals.

 

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Network X Awards

Our 100G PON proof of concept won the 'Outstanding Next-Gen #PON Innovation award at Network X.

 

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Receiving the Outstanding Next-Gen #PON Innovation award at Network X

Fiber Connect 2022 Award

We are proud to have been awarded Most Innovative award at Fiber Connect 2022 for our research division Nokia Bell Labs’ 100G PON proof of concept demo.

 

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How glass fiber is shaping the internet

As part of the Verge’s in-depth look at the role of fiber optics in the internet, Bell Labs’ Tod Sizer and Vivian Chen describe the relentless pursuit of optical innovation necessary to keep pace with the world’s insatiable appetite for capacity.

How glass fiber is shaping the internet

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Optical networks

Nokia optical network solutions for transport networks with advanced coherent optical engines, scalable open optical line systems, and AI-powered automation.

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Driving optical network scale

New innovations in optical networks will deliver further scaling in network capacity, while simplifying operations and architectures.