Patent ID: 8725001
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: G02B,H04J

Abstract:
1. An optical access network, comprising: a plurality of passive optical network transceivers; a plurality of optical splitters; and a multichannel transmission link having a first end connected to the plurality of passive optical network transceivers and a second end connected to the plurality of optical splitters to form a plurality of parallel transmission channels therebetween, wherein the multichannel transmission link comprises at least one span of a multicore fiber with a plurality of individual cores, and wherein the multichannel transmission link comprises a multicore fiber span that is connected to the plurality of optical splitters by means of a tapered multicore coupler comprising a plurality of individual fibers having respective first ends joined together at a tapered coupler body, wherein cores of the individual fibers extend through the tapered coupler body, terminating at an endface having a core configuration matching the configuration of the individual cores of the multicore fiber, wherein the coupler endface is connected to the multicore fiber, and wherein the individual fibers have respective ends connected to respective splitters in the plurality of optical splitters.