The capacity of OTU4, or Optical Transport Unit 4, is 100 Gbit/s (Gigabits per second).
Understanding OTU4 Capacity
OTU4 is a standard specified within the Optical Transport Network (OTN) framework, designed for high-speed data transmission over optical fibers. It defines the structure and bit rate of a digital signal that transports client signals within the OTN.
The capacity of an OTU signal primarily refers to its nominal data rate, which dictates how much information can be carried per second. For OTU4, this rate is specifically set at 100 Gbit/s.
OTU4 Specifications at a Glance
The following table highlights the marketing data rates and signal multiplexing capabilities of various Optical Transport Unit standards, including OTU4:
| Standard | Marketing Data Rate (Gbit/s) | Maximum Number of Signals per Channel (# of ODU0, 1.2G) |
|---|---|---|
| OTU3e1/2 | 41 | 32 |
| OTU50 | 50 | 40 |
| OTU4 | 100 | 80 |
As shown in the table, OTU4 stands out with a robust 100 Gbit/s data rate, signifying its capability to handle significant volumes of information.
Beyond Raw Data Rate: Signal Multiplexing
In addition to its raw data rate, OTU4's capacity can also be understood in terms of its ability to carry multiple lower-speed signals. It can accommodate up to 80 ODU0 signals.
- What is ODU0? ODU0 (Optical Data Unit 0) is a fundamental tributary signal in the OTN hierarchy, typically carrying data at approximately 1.2 Gbit/s.
- Capacity Breakdown: This means that a single OTU4 signal can transport 80 individual ODU0 streams, making it highly efficient for aggregating various types of traffic. This multiplexing capability is crucial for maximizing fiber utilization in modern optical networks.
- Practical Insight: The ability to carry 80 ODU0s highlights OTU4's flexibility in managing diverse client signals, from Ethernet to Fibre Channel, by mapping them into ODU containers.
Importance in Modern Networks
The 100 Gbit/s capacity of OTU4 is vital for supporting the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth in backbone networks, data centers, and intercontinental communication links. Its applications include:
- Cloud Computing: Facilitates the high-speed transfer of massive datasets between data centers.
- Internet Backbone: Forms a critical component of the internet's core infrastructure, enabling rapid communication globally.
- 5G Networks: Provides the necessary transport capacity for high-density 5G mobile traffic.
- Data Center Interconnect (DCI): Essential for connecting geographically dispersed data centers with low latency and high throughput.
