Multimode WDM LAN using novel wavelength demultiplexer

Summary form only given. Higher computer bandwidths have begun to create a bottleneck in fiber-optic backbones of premises LANs, where 62.5-/spl mu/m core graded-index multimode fiber is predominant. At 1.25 Gbit/s, where some LANs now operate, link lengths are limited to less than 300 m and 800 m at 850 nm and 1300 nm, respectively. At higher data rates, WDM will be required to achieve desired link lengths in multimode fiber. A WDM transceiver intended for the LAN market should have the same form factor and connector as a serial transceiver, be eye safe, and be cost effective. In the present work, four VCSELs are used with nominal wavelengths of 820, 835, 850, and 865 nm. The light is multiplexed into a multimode fiber using a simple 4-to-1 waveguide combiner made of Dupont Polyguide material. A GaAs p-i-n diode array and silicon bipolar laser driver and receiver arrays are also used.