Limits on bit rate capacity improvement induced by SPM in installed standard fiber links at 1550 nm

Limits are obtained to a method which utilizes fiber nonlinearity (self phase modulation) to increase the bit-rate capacity of installed single channel non-dispersion-shifted fiber links at a wavelength of 1550 nm. We focus on a set-up that uses no in-line optical amplifiers. Maximum attainable bit rate versus distance are obtained under optimal transmitted powers for different pulse shapes, which may be helpful in designing optical fiber systems. Substantial improvements are possible and better performance has been achieved for smooth pulses. A practical example of bit-rate upgrading in an installed link is shown and compared with experimental papers.