Low-cost multimode WDM for local area networks up to 10 Gb/s

Current local area network (LAN) bandwidth demands of >1 Gb/s are pushing the limit of the bandwidth-distance product of multimode fiber, the predominant fiber in LAN backbones. In order to overcome these limitations, a low-cost and compact wavelength division multiplexing scheme is demonstrated. Aggregate bit rates of 5 and 10 Gb/s are achieved through 300 and 100 m of 62.5/125-μm multimode fiber, respectively. Four vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers are used at wavelengths of 820, 835, 850, and 865 nm with each operating at a bit rate of 1.25 or 2.5 Gb/s. This technology provides a practical solution for reaching bit rates up to 10 Gb/s in the LAN.