SciTransfer
qc-rosa · Project

Energy-Efficient Optical Receivers for Long-Reach High-Speed Internet Networks

digitalPilotedTRL 7

Imagine if your internet signal was like a whisper that usually fades away after a short distance. This technology acts like a super-powered hearing aid for fiber optic cables, picking up signals 10 times better than before. It allows data to travel much further without needing expensive signal boosters along the way.

By the numbers
10
increase in signal detection
90%
reduction in need for central offices
50%
reduction in Access Network energy consumption
30%
energy reduction in the Internet industry
20 km
increased 5G fronthaul reach (from 10 km)
The business problem

What needed solving

Current internet access networks are too energy-intensive and expensive to scale. They require too many central offices because signal strength drops off quickly over distance.

The solution

What was built

A Quasi Coherent Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly (ROSA) and a DWDM SFP28 transceiver capable of a 40 km reach.

Audience

Who needs this

5G Network OperatorsFiber-to-the-home (FTTH) ProvidersOptical Transceiver ManufacturersData Center Infrastructure Providers
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Telecommunications
enterprise
Target: 5G Infrastructure Providers

If you are a 5G provider dealing with short signal reach in fronthaul architectures — this project developed a Quasi Coherent ROSA that increases infrastructure reach from 10 km up to 20 km.

Internet Service Providers
enterprise
Target: Fixed Network Operators

If you are an ISP dealing with the high cost of central offices — this project developed a receiver that can reduce the need for these energy-consuming offices by up to 90%.

Hardware Manufacturing
mid-size
Target: Optical Transceiver Manufacturers

If you are a hardware maker dealing with high production costs for complex optics — this project developed a Photonic Integrated Circuit fabrication method to produce complex structures at a low cost.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How does this affect the cost of network infrastructure?

It significantly reduces capital and operational expenses by reducing the need for costly and high energy-consuming central offices by up to 90%.

Is this technology ready for industrial scale production?

Yes, the company uses a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) fabrication method designed to produce complex optical structures at a low cost.

What is the IP and licensing strategy?

The technology is based on proprietary and patented Quasi Coherent technology, and the company's strategy includes both direct sales and licensing.

How easy is it to integrate into current systems?

The technology can be seamlessly integrated into any existing transceiver currently on the market.

What is the impact on energy consumption?

Based on available project data, the technology could reduce Access Network energy consumption by 50%, leading to a 30% reduction in the overall Internet industry's energy use.

Consortium

Who built it

The project is led by a single SME, Bifrost Communications APS from Denmark. With a 100% industry ratio and no university or research partners, the project is heavily focused on commercialization and direct product development rather than basic research.

How to reach the team

Contact Bifrost Communications APS in Denmark

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for Quasi Coherent ROSA technology.