A system includes mode division multiplexing (MDM) processing circuitry for applying an orbital angular momentum (OAM) to each of a first group of a plurality of input signals and multiplexing the OAM processed signals together. Second processing circuitry performs wavelength distribution multiplexing (WDM) on a second group of the plurality of input signals, wherein the WDM processed signals and the MDM processed signals are orthogonal to one another. Combining circuitry combines the WDM processed signals and the MDM processed signals. Polarization processing circuitry adds polarization to at least one of the WDM processed signals, and the MDM processed signals and a transmitter transmits the combine and polarized processed signal over a link.