Bravo Acha, MikelZornoza Indart, AnderLoayssa Lara, AlaynLópez-Amo Sáinz, ManuelLópez Higuera, José MiguelUllán Nieto, Ángel2014-06-202014-06-2020131424-8220128510.3390/s131217434https://academica-e.unavarra.es/handle/2454/10931We propose and demonstrate the use of spatial multiplexing as a means to reduce the costs of distributed sensing networks. We propose a new scheme in which remote power-by-light switching is deployed to scan multiple branches of a distributed sensing network based on Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA) sensors. A proof-of-concept system is assembled with two 5-km sensor fiber branches that are alternatively monitored using a fast remotely controlled and optically powered optical switch. The multiplexed distributed sensor fibers were located 10 km away from the interrogation unit and a Raman pump is used to remotely power the switch. Furthermore, the deployed BOTDA unit uses an alternative configuration that can lead to simplified setups.application/pdfeng© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)BOTDA sensorOptical switchRemote sensingSensor networksinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess