In the digital era, the transmission of data is made possible via diverse channels, including wireless communication, optical fibres and storage media. But as changes emerge, so do the needs in this field, and for that purpose the MODE-GAP ('Multi-mode capacity enhancement with PBG -photonic band gap- fibre') project is developing the next generation internet infrastructure to improve the capacity of broadband core networks, making bandwidth 100 times larger than the current capacity.

MODE-GAP is funded under the 'Information and communication technologies' (ICT) Theme of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) to the tune of EUR 8.33 million. The project is working on transmission technologies based on specialist long-haul transmission fibres and associated enabling technologies. Some of these technologies include transmitter and receiver components, rare-earth doped optical amplifiers and data processing tools.

The four-year project will effectively enable future proof networks and systems of increasing information throughput, according to the project members. Failure to do so will significantly impact the future of the Internet, they say.

The MODE-GAP consortium consists of academic and industry experts from Phoenix Photonics Ltd (UK), ESPCI ParisTech (France), the Brondy-based OFS Fitel Denmark APS, the COBRA Institute at Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (Netherlands), Eblana Photonics Ltd (Ireland), Nokia Siemens Networks GMBH & Co. KG (Germany), and the Tyndall National Institute of University College Cork (Ireland).

Ultimately, the Digital Agenda will deliver sustainable economic and social benefits from a digital single market based on accelerated interoperable applications.