For networks with data rates higher than what threshold are F-P lasers considered inadequate?

F-P lasers, or Fabry-Perot lasers, are commonly used in optical networks, but they exhibit certain limitations regarding their ability to maintain performance as data rates increase. At higher data rates, specifically around 2.5 Gbps, the performance of F-P lasers begins to degrade. This degradation is primarily due to factors such as limited modulation bandwidth and increased chirp, which results in signal distortion and reduced transmission distances.

When data rates exceed this threshold, other types of lasers, like Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasers, are preferred because they provide better performance in terms of higher bandwidth capabilities, greater stability, and improved signal quality over long distances. This performance difference is crucial for applications requiring higher data throughput, making the 2.5 Gbps threshold a significant reference point for the adequacy of F-P lasers in fiber optic networks.