This book begins with the history and fundamentals of optical fiber communications. Then, briefly introduces existing optical multiplexing techniques and finally focuses on spatial domain multiplexing (SDM), aka space division multiplexing, and orbital angular momentum of photon based multiplexing. These are two emerging multiplexing techniques that have added two new degrees of photon freedom to optical fibers.

Due to the continued rapid growth in the demand for network bandwidth, devices and subsystems that can support gigabit and multigigabit throughput have become increasingly important. In this chapter, we review several key technologies for fiber optic data communication. In particular, we focus on the technologies for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), as it is the most important technique in advancing the communication bandwidth for the next generation broadband networks.

History of fiber optics / Jeff D. Montgomery -- Market analysis and business planning / Yann Y. Morvan and Ronald C. Lasky -- Small form factor fiber optic connectors / John Fox and Casimer DeCusatis -- Specialty fiber optic cables / Casimer DeCusatis and John Fox -- Optical wavelength division multiplexing for data communication networks / Casimer DeCusatis -- Optical backplanes, board and chip interconnects / Rainer Michalzik -- Parallel computer architectures using fiber optics / David B. Sher and Casimer DeCusatis -- Packaging assembly techniques / Ronald C. Lasky, Adam Singer, and Prashant Chouta -- InfiniBand, the interconnect from backplane to fiber / Ali Ghiasi -- New devices for optoelectronics : smart pixels / Barry L. Shoop, Andre H. Sayles, and Daniel M. Litynski -- Emerging technology for fiber optic data communication / Chung-Sheng Li -- Manufacturing challenges / Eric Maass.

This chapter gives an overview of design and optimization of few-mode optical fibers (FMF) for space-division multiplexed transmission. The design criteria are outlined, along with performance limitations of the traditional step-profile and graded-index profiles. The trade-offs between number of usable optical modes (related to total channel capacity), differential group delay, differential mode attenuation, mode coupling, and the impact on MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) receiver complexity are outlined. Improved fiber designs are analyzed which maximize channel capacity with foreseeable next-generation receiver technology. FMF measurement technology is overviewed.

In this book, Optical Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is approached from a strictly practical and application-oriented point of view. Based on the characteristics and constraints of modern fiber-optic components, transport systems and fibers, the text provides relevant rules of thumb and practical hints for technology selection, WDM system and link dimensioning, and also for network-related aspects such as wavelength assignment and resilience mechanisms. Actual 10/40 Gb/s WDM systems are considered, and a preview of the upcoming 100 Gb/s systems and technologies for even higher bit rates is given as well. Key features: Considers WDM from ULH backbone (big picture view) down to PON access (micro view). Includes all major telecom and datacom applications. Provides the relevant background for state-of-the-art and next-gen systems. Offers practical guidelines for system / link engineering.

MODELING and OPTIMIZATION of OPTICAL COMMUNICATION NETWORKS Optical networks are an integral part of many of the technologies that we use every day. It is a constantly changing and evolving area, with new materials, processes, and applications coming online almost daily. This book provides a basis for discussing open principles, methods and research problems in the modeling of optical communication networks. It also provides a systematic overview of the state-of-the-art research efforts and potential research directions dealing with optical communication metworks. It also simultaneously focuses on extending the limits of currently used systems encompassing optical and wireless domains and explores novel research on wireless and optical techniques and systems, describing practical implementation activities, results and issues. A handbook on applications for both academia and industry, this exciting new volume includes detailed discussions on real-world case studies on trends and emerging technologies associated with modeling of optical communication networks. This book also describes several numerical models and algorithms for simulation and optimization of optical communication networks. Modeling and optimization presents several opportunities for automating operations and introducing intelligent decision making in network planning and in dynamic control and management of network resources, including issues like connection establishment, self-configuration, and self-optimization, through prediction and estimation by utilizing present network state and historical data. It focuses on extending the limits of currently used systems encompassing optical and wireless domains, and explores the latest developments in applications like photonics, high speed communication systems and networks, visible light communication, nano-photonics, wireless, and MIMO systems.