Space-division multiplexing (SDM) utilizing uncoupled multi-core fibers (MCF) is considered a promising candidate for next-generation high-speed optical transmission systems due to its huge capacity and low inter-core crosstalk. In this paper, we demonstrate a real-time high-speed SDM transmission system over a field-deployed 7-core MCF cable using commercial 400 Gbit/s backbone optical transport network (OTN) transceivers and a network management system. The transceivers employ a high noise-tolerant quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation format with a 130 Gbaud rate, enabled by optoelectronic multi-chip module (OE-MCM) packaging. The network management system can effectively manage and monitor the performance of the 7-core SDM OTN system and promptly report failure events through alarms. Our field trial demonstrates the compatibility of uncoupled MCF with high-speed OTN transmission equipment and network management systems, supporting its future deployment in next-generation high-speed terrestrial cable transmission networks.

Low-cost, flexible and intelligent optical performance monitoring and management is a key enabling technology for network quality guarantee, especially in the era of explosive growth of communication capacity and network scale. However, to the best of our knowledge, it is extremely challenging to implement real-time performance monitoring and operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) in a highly complex dynamic network. In this paper, we propose an innovative optical identification (OID) scheme that can realize both performance monitoring and some advanced OAM sub-functions. The basic concepts, applications, challenges and evolution directions of this OID tool are also discussed.