With the rapid development of technologies like 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Metaverse, global data traffic is experiencing exponential growth. This places higher demands on optical fiber cables, the underlying physical medium. The technology of optical fiber cables themselves is continuously evolving to meet future challenges.
1. Pursuing Higher Capacity: The Exploration of Spatial Division Multiplexing
The capacity of traditional single-mode fiber is approaching the Shannon limit. To break through this bottleneck, scientists are researching Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM) technology. This is akin to expanding a single-lane road into a multi-lane highway, by creating multiple optical signal transmission paths within a single optical fiber (such as multi-core fibers or few-mode fibers), thereby multiplying the transmission capacity of the fiber.
2. Lower Attenuation: Extending Communication Distances
The ongoing development of novel ultra-low loss fibers can further reduce the energy loss of optical signals during transmission. This is highly significant for reducing the number of repeater stations, lowering system costs and power consumption, especially for ultra-long-distance submarine communications and coverage in remote areas.
3. Intelligence and Visualisation
Future optical cable networks will be more than just “dumb pipes.” By integrating distributed optical fiber sensing technology, the cable itself can be transformed into a continuous sensor network, capable of perceiving physical parameters such as temperature, stress, and vibration along its entire length in real-time. This means the optical cable network can not only transmit data but also enable intelligent monitoring and early warning for pipeline leaks, perimeter intrusion, geological hazards, and more.
4. Miniaturization and High Density
In scenarios like data centers and 5G fronthaul, space is extremely valuable. Consequently, optical cables with smaller sizes and higher fiber core densities are becoming a development trend. For example, micro-cables with smaller diameters and MPO connectors that facilitate high-density patching are all designed to deploy more fiber links within limited space.
5. Green and Sustainable Development
The manufacturing, laying, and operation of optical cables must also consider environmental factors. Developing optical fiber materials with lower power consumption, recyclable sheath materials, and optimizing production processes to reduce energy consumption are inevitable directions for the sustainable development of the optical cable industry.