ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews applications of hybrid multiplexing techniques. It describes hybrid multiplexing transmission systems such as time division multiplexing/wavelength division multiplexing TDM/WDM and Optical code division multiple access (OCDMA)/WDM. The chapter discusses the multiplexing format conversions between TDM and WDM, and also between OCDMA and WDM. It describes applications of OCDMA/WDM hybrid multiplexing for optical path technologies. The chapter reviews system demonstrations of hybrid multiplexing techniques in photonic networks. The demonstrated applications are the following: hybrid multiplexing transmission systems, bidirectional multiplexing format conversions, and hybrid multiplexing techniques in optical path networks. Considering its unique attributes, OCDMA is a promising multiplexing technique available for hybrid multiplexing in order to enhance the flexibility of future photonic networks. As one of the advantages of OCDMA, a highly spectrally efficient OCDMA/WDM hybrid system is proposed and demonstrated. In future hybrid OCDMA/WDM networks, flexible OCs and wavelength conversion will be key technologies for establishing optical paths.
