Space division multiplexing technology: Next generation optical communication strategy

Space division multiplexing (SDM) is expected to be a key technology both for dealing with the future capacity crunch facing traditional single-mode fibre (SMF) and for realizing a sustainable optical network that can accommodate the various data streams originating from, for example, future 5G communication, the Internet of things (IoT), and machine to machine (M2M) networks. This paper describes the potential of SDM as regards optical fibre and cable technology. We focus on the potential of multi-core fibre (MCF), and investigate the reality of MCF based SDM optical wiring as the first example of an SDM application taking the latest research and development into consideration. Finally, we show that MCF based SDM optical fibre cable will be a promising technology for next generation optical networks, and the key technology behind MCF based SDM optical wiring is ready for discussion as the near future standard.