
Press Release
Nokia pushes optical network capacity to theoretical limits with Photonic Service Engine 3 chipset; massive scale and radical simplicity for video, cloud and 5G growth
First chipset to implement probabilistic constellation shaping (PCS), a technique pioneered by Nokia Bell Labs that pushes fiber-optic performance close to the Shannon limit
Enables maximum capacity over any distance and on any fiber - from metro to subsea - increasing capacity up to 65% over currently deployed networks while reducing power by 60%
Reduces complexity and dramatically simplifies network operations
Increases financial return and longevity of expensive optical fibers by using latent capacity
Ideally suited to meet surging traffic demands of video, cloud and 5G for webscale companies and communication service providers
06 March 2018
Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced the next generation of its Photonic Service Engine (PSE) family of super-coherent digital signal processors, underscoring its leading position in the industry and innovation pedigree. The Nokia PSE-3 will be instrumental in the evolution of communication service provider (CSP) and webscale networks to meet the surging traffic demands of video, cloud and 5G by maximizing the capacity and performance of every link in their optical networks.
The PSE-3 chipset is the first coherent digital signal processor to implement probabilistic constellation shaping (PCS), a modulation technique pioneered by Nokia Bell Labs. PCS pushes optical fiber transmission capacity to very near the Shannon Limit - the maximum theoretical capacity of a communications channel, defined by Claude Shannon in 1948 while a researcher at Bell Labs.
By intelligently shaping the signal to match the characteristics of the optical fiber, PCS generates wavelengths that are more resilient to noise and other impairments, increasing capacity up to 65 percent over currently deployed networks, while also reducing power per bit by 60 percent. Networks built with systems using the new chipset require up to 35 percent fewer optical transponders, and by recovering latent capacity in deployed fiber, the PSE-3 extends the life of existing line systems and subsea cables, resulting in significant long-term savings.
The chipset not only maximizes performance, but does so at any possible distance within an optical network - from metro to subsea. The PSE-3 is ideal for CSPs and webscale companies looking to push the limits of their optical networks and increase their return on expensive fibers.
With its extremely powerful yet simple programmability, the PSE-3 presents an ideal opportunity for network operators to grow beyond the limited flexibility of the 100G/200G networks that are prevalent today, to a highly scalable and automation-ready network. Reversing the tide of ever-increasing complexity in Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) systems, the PSE-3 provides finely adjustable wavelength capacity from 100G to 600G with a single, uniform modulation format, baud rate, and channel size. This radically simplifies network operations and planning, while greatly facilitating the dynamic operations that enable network operators to deploy innovative services and lower costs.
Rajesh Singh, GM Value Management and Procurement, Spark New Zealand, said: Spark and Nokia have a proud partnership delivering optical innovation in New Zealand and ensuring our network stays ahead of market demand. Building on our 2012 introduction of 100G transport and 200G in 2017, the new Nokia Bell Labs powered PSE-3 technology will allow Spark to plan towards 400G and 1Tb services supporting the significant predicted traffic demands of 5G, video, business services and IoT. Were very excited about the world leading capability of the Nokia PSE-3 to help us meet those demands and at the same time reducing the cost per transported bit.
Andrew Schmitt, founder and lead analyst at Cignal AI, said: With the arrival of the new PSE-3, Nokia is making a significant leap forward in the performance of high-end coherent DSPs. PCS enables network operators to extract maximum spectral efficiency out of their networks. This technology also enhances all distances and applications, which makes it ideal to address the requirements of not only cloud and colocation operators, but also traditional incumbent and cable MSO providers.
Sam Bucci, head of optical networks for Nokia, said This is a breakthrough in how we can maximize the performance of optical networks and, at the same time, vastly simplify operations. The Photonic Service Engine 3 is the culmination of a decade of research and first-hand experience building the largest, highest capacity optical networks in the world. By introducing this extreme and yet remarkably simple programmability, our customers can now maximize the capacity of every link in their network, whether thats 10 km, 10,000 km or beyond. They will be able to keep their costs under control while handling the huge bandwidth demands that video, cloud, and soon 5G will be throwing at them.
The PSE-3 will be available across Nokias packet-optical portfolio, including a new version of the 1830 Photonic Service Interconnect, a compact modular WDM platform widely adopted by internet content providers for high capacity datacenter interconnect. Based on a modular chassis architecture, the 1830 PSI-M will offer both cost-optimized and high-performance modules utilizing the PSE-3, and will be available in Q3 2018.
Nokia will host an event March 13, 2:45pm in booth #2228 at the Optical Fiber Communications (OFC) Conference and Exhibition in San Diego, California, March 13-15. Senior Nokia executives along with Bell Labs researchers and customers will present the inspiration and vision behind Nokias latest innovation, and the next chapter of the companys portfolio enhancements. The 1830 PSI-M and other
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
09/10/2026
September 10 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026
New Sports Intelligence helps providers better unders...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
17/09/2026
Lithuanian broadcaster deploys Playout X and Framelight X across five networks, combining on-premises software-defined playout with cloud-based disaster recover...
17/09/2026
Introducing Adobe Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 2027
Brie Clayton September 17, 2026
0 Comments
New tools make it easier than ever to enhance y...
17/09/2026
LA JOLLA, CA-While the brain orchestrates metabolic processes in the body, it al...
17/09/2026
RT Statement:
RT is today confirming that its position regarding participation in the Eurovision Song Contest remains unchanged. RT will not participate in...
16/09/2026
Grass Valley has been recognized with a 2026 Technology & Engineering Emmy Award...
16/09/2026
Sports-media leaders explore how cloud, AI, and virtualization are transforming ...
16/09/2026
With a full crew on site in Springfield, deep access to players, and a growing d...
16/09/2026
John Wilson attends The History of Concrete premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival at The Yarrow Theatre on January 22, 2026, in Park City, Utah. (Ph...
16/09/2026
Powerful soft synth receives free update
Wavea have just launched a new and improved version of their feature-packed soft synth, kitting it out with over 20...
16/09/2026
Physical modelling experts launch pipe-based instrument
Modartt are well known for their impressive Pianoteq and Organteq offerings, and now, they've pu...
16/09/2026
Popular DAW gains free pitch-correction tool
Image-Line have teamed up with Antares to kit their popular DAW software out with a built-in pitch-correction p...
16/09/2026
Microwave Factory and Rohde & Schwarz enable automated SAR measurements with CMX...
16/09/2026
Rohde & Schwarz launches new security scanner for large events at Security Expo ...
16/09/2026
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites eligible South African pro...
16/09/2026
Grass Valley honored alongside industry leaders for the development of web-based, frame-accurate remote monitoring systems for distributed broadcast production ...
16/09/2026
Blackmagic Design Cameras Capture Harvard Law School Alumni Event
Brie Clayton September 16, 2026
0 Comments
URSA Broadcast G2 and Pocket Cinema Camer...
16/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
16/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
16/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
16/09/2026
Screen Australia funds games projects in every state and territory as Screen Cur...
16/09/2026
September 16th, 2026 (Participant Head Shots Here & Video Here and YouTube HERE...
16/09/2026
Original article publish in Broadcast Magazine NL
Over the past few years, our relationship with Grass Valley has continued to develop, and our move to AMPP in...
16/09/2026
Red Seat Ventures Announces Exclusive Partnership with Caleb Hammer's Financ...
16/09/2026
System performance, efficient infrastructure scaling and continuous software opt...
16/09/2026
Garda whistleblowers come forward to
RT Investigates from inside the
Garda Pr...
16/09/2026
AI factories are the infrastructure of the intelligence era. Scaling them respon...
15/09/2026
At IBC2026, Pixitmedia by DataCore will showcase its latest capabilities designe...
15/09/2026
Quantum Corp. today announced the release of Quantum Autonomous Data Management ...
15/09/2026
Former Wyndham Hotels & Resorts technology executive will focus on fan engagemen...
15/09/2026
Creator Sports Network (CSN) and FAN.live have announced a partnership giving CSN's network of more than 2,000 vetted creators access to live 3D NFL broadca...
15/09/2026
SVG and SVG Europewere all over the IBC 2026 show floor out in Amsterdam, bringi...
15/09/2026
Rise WIB has announced the shortlist for the Rise Awards 2026, returning to Troxy in London on Tuesday, November 17. The awards recognize outstanding women, adv...
15/09/2026
Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) has announced its media distribution lineup for the 2026-27 season, beginning September 11. Every match will stream live on the...
15/09/2026
Willow Sports has announced it will serve as the exclusive U.S. and Canadian hom...
15/09/2026
Gravity Media has announced it will provide outside broadcast production and technical services for the MXGP of Australia, the finale of the 2026 FIM World Moto...
15/09/2026
Co-founders Scott Coker and Peter Y. Levin have unveiled Ki MMA, a new global mixed martial arts promotion launching in the first quarter of 2027. The announcem...
15/09/2026
Sony Electronics has announced two new G Master super-telephoto prime lenses for...
15/09/2026
GlobeCast provides facility for AI-power automated production core...
15/09/2026
Gravity Media, a leading global provider of production and content, and media services and facilities, is empowering Tourism and Events Northern Territory (NT) ...
15/09/2026
New Thunderbolt audio interfaces aimed at pro studios
Audient's latest announcement sees the company introduce three new high-end audio interfaces desig...
15/09/2026
Completes core wireless system line-up
The latest addition to Sennheiser's Spectera range is now shipping, completing the core elements of the company...
15/09/2026
High-frequency dynamics plug-in upgraded
Schwabe Digital have just released a major free update for their acclaimed high-frequency dynamics processing plug-...
15/09/2026
DAW update launched alongside all-in-one subscription bundle
The latest version of Universal Audio's DAW software has just arrived, and has been release...
15/09/2026
Three popular hardware units go virtual
Rupert Neve Designs are entering the software market in style, with not one, but three of their sought-after hardwar...
15/09/2026
When longstanding OB specialist Cloudbass made the decision to expand its fleet to accommodate remote production facilities for a leading UK sports broadcaster&...
15/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...