Recent Progress in Space-Division Multiplexing Optical Network Technology

Space-division multiplexing (SDM) technology is attracting attention as an upcoming technology for future ultra-large capacity optical networks. The SDM approach introduces an additional dimension (space) for optical signal multiplexing and switching, thus providing an increase in switching flexibility and transmission capacity. These advantages are seen as critical to ensuring network evolution in the long term. In this paper, we review recent technical progress in SDM ultra-large-capacity transmission and software-defined control for sliceable SDM optical networks. We also present a gap analysis toward standardization of SDM technology.