Physics

Statistical time division multiplexing

Multiplexing

Optical performance monitoring

Optical add-drop multiplexer

Time-division multiplexing

Optics

Engineering

Wavelength-division multiplexing

Electronic engineering

Polarization-division multiplexing

Computer science

Wavelength

Multiplexer

Telecommunications

Opto-Electronic Advances

Herein, an attention-grabbing and up-to-date review related to major multiplexing techniques is presented which includes wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), polarization division multiplexing (PDM), space division multiplexing (SDM), mode division multiplexing (MDM) and orbital angular momentum multiplexing (OAMM). Multiplexing is a mechanism by which multiple signals are combined into a shared channel used to showcase the maximum capacity of the optical links. However, it is critical to develop hybrid multiplexing methods to allow enhanced channel numbers. In this review, we have also included hybrid multiplexing techniques such as WDM-PDM, WDM-MDM and PDM-MDM. It is probable to attain <italic>N</italic>×<italic>M</italic> channels by utilizing <italic>N</italic> wavelengths and <italic>M</italic> guided-modes by simply utilizing hybrid WDM-MDM (de)multiplexers. To the best of our knowledge, this review paper is one of its kind which has highlighted the most prominent and recent signs of progress in multiplexing techniques in one place.

Optical multiplexing techniques and their marriage for on-chip and optical fiber communication: a review