Multimode and single-mode transmission over universal fiber for data center applications

Abstract Universal fiber is a multimode fiber that has an LP01 mode field diameter approximately matched to that of standard single-mode fiber. It can transmit both multimode and single-mode signals using transceivers designed for either multimode fiber or single-mode fiber. By using universal fibers, one can bridge the needs for both single-mode and multimode transmission through a uniform and simplified cable infrastructure to accommodate the full distance range needed, while having upgradability from 10G to 40G to 100G and to even higher data rates. We build on our previous work that analyzed the dependence of LP01 mode-field diameter on fiber parameters, and the coupling loss for both single-mode and multi-mode transmission, with a further study of mode coupling and multiple path interference associated with single-mode operation. We demonstrate system performance in both single-mode and VCSEL-based multimode transmissions for a number of 100G transceiver types using a QSFP form factor − the preferred choice in data centers.