Multi-Core Fiber Technology: Next Generation Optical Communication Strategy

Space-division multiplexing is expected to be a key technology both for dealing with the future capacity crunch facing traditional single- mode fiber 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, and machine-to-machine networks. This article describes the potential of space-division multiplexing as regards optical fiber and cable technology. We focus on the potential of multi-core fiber and investigate the reality of multi-core-fiberbased space-division multiplexing optical wiring as the first example of a space-division multiplexing application taking the latest research and development into consideration. Finally, we show that the key technology behind multi-core-fiber-based space-division multiplexing optical wiring is ready for discussion as a near future standard.