Split wave method and apparatus for transmitting data in long-haul optical fiber systems

摘要

A method is provided for transmitting optical signals in an optical communication system. An optical input is received that has a first data rate and is split into a plurality of sub-wavelengths. The plurality of sub-wavelengths are spaced sufficiently close in wavelength to provide a spectral efficiency of all the sub-wavelengths that is close to or greater than a spectral efficiency of the optical input. The plurality of sub-wavelengths are then combined.