Space-Division Multiplexing

Fiber-based optical communication networks are reaching a point where the capacity required on a single link can significantly exceed the capacity of a single-mode fiber, and at the same time conventional network architectures can no longer be scaled cost-effectively. Space-division multiplexing (space-division multiplexing (SDM)) addresses the capacity bottleneck imposed by the use of single-mode fibers within a completely new approach that relies on new fiber types, optical amplifiers, and optical switches capable of supporting multiple spatial channels. The aim of this chapter is, on one hand, to provide an overview of the components that are necessary for the implementation of SDM transmission and, on the other hand, to review the modeling of the main propagation effects that occur in multimode and multicore fibers. The chapter also includes a description of the techniques that are used in SDM transmission experiments and an update on transmission records reported from around the globe. The chapter ends with the description of potential architectures supporting SDM networks.