Price-points for components of multi-core fiber communication systems in backbone optical networks

The communication capacity limit of conventional optical fiber is being approached, and spatial multiplexing on strands of optical fiber is being pursued because of its potential to significantly increase the capacity of optical transmission systems and networks. Here, we estimate price-points under several scenarios for some of the critical enabling components of potential ultra-high-capacity optical fiber transmission systems based on multi-core fibers. For the input parameters and scenarios considered-including the case when the existing conduit is exhausted, we find the modeled price-point of multi-core fiber to be in the range 0-15% higher than the price of fiber ribbon cable. We also illustrate how larger increases in the value (price-point) of future network elements can occur if the efficiencies of installation are substantially improved.