TY - JOUR N2 - The paper presents a comprehensive look at the perspectives on the use of THz in digital communication systems. The publication aims to focus on arguments that justify a significant increase in the frequency of radio links and their integration with fibre-based networks. Comparison of THz links with their microwave and optical counterparts is discussed from basic physical limitations to technological constraints. Main attention is paid to the available channel capacity resulting from its bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio. The short final discussion is about technology platforms that seem to be crucial to the availability of suitable THz sources. According to the author, the biggest advantage of using bands in the range of several hundred GHz for a digital data transmission is their use for mobile communication over short distances, as well as for broadband indoor links. However, these applications require a development of compact electronic THz sources with low noise and power reaching single watts. This is beyond the range of the most popular silicon-based technology platform, although a significant progress can be expected with the development of technologies based on wide bandgap semiconductors. Fibre optic connections remain the unquestioned leader in communication over long distances and permanent links. L1 - http://czasopisma.pan.pl/Content/117493/PDF-MASTER/OPELRE_28_2020_J_MARCZEWSKI.pdf L2 - http://czasopisma.pan.pl/Content/117493 PY - 2020 IS - 3 EP - 181 DO - 10.24425/opelre.2020.134427 KW - mobile communication KW - optical links KW - Shannon theorem KW - THz radiation KW - THz links A1 - Marczewski, J. PB - Polish Academy of Sciences (under the auspices of the Committee on Electronics and Telecommunication) and Association of Polish Electrical Engineers in cooperation with Military University of Technology VL - 28 DA - 14.09.2020 T1 - Digital communication – optical vs. THz links SP - 176 UR - http://czasopisma.pan.pl/dlibra/publication/edition/117493 T2 - Opto-Electronics Review ER -