EXPANDING DATA CAPACITY: Merging SDM And WDM Technologies

The integration of multicore fibre and multiband optical networks could redefine data transmission, meeting our growing appetite for speed and capacity.

- ARKA MUKHERJEE, SURYANSH PRATAP SINGH

SURYANSH PRATAP SINGH is a Scientist 'B' at the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the research and development centre of the Government of India. He earned his B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from MNNIT Allahabad.

ARKA MUKHERJEE is a Scientist 'E' and Team Leader at the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the research and development centre of the Government of India. He possesses over 12 years of experience in designing embedded systems for optical access networks and quantum key distribution systems.

With over 65% of the global population now connected to the internet, data demand has surged to unprecedented levels. This relentless growth is fuelled by high-definition video streaming, extensive cloud computing, IoT, high-resolution multiplayer gaming, real-time online transactions, VR, and AR. Data transfer relies on three primary mediums: optical cables, copper cables, and wireless. While copper and wireless media suit short- to medium-range networks, optical fibre networks span thousands of miles, connecting cities, countries, and continents. The rapid expansion of internet users has pushed existing optical fibre infrastructure to its limits, necessitating the adoption of advanced technologies to meet future data needs.

Optical fibre: An overview An optical fibre carries information signals as light pulses in the near-infrared spectrum and consists of multiple layers (Fig. 1):

Core. The central internal layer of an optical fibre through which light propagates. It is typically composed of high-purity glass and has a higher refractive index than the cladding