Abstract Much attention has been focused on the use of scalar modes for space division multiplexing (SDM). Alternative vector mode bases offer another solution set for SDM, expanding the available trade-offs in system performance and complexity. We present two types of ring core fiber conceived and designed to explore SDM with fibers exhibiting low interactions between supported modes. We review demonstrations of fiber data transmission for two separate vector mode bases: one for orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes and one for linearly polarized vector (LPV) modes. The OAM mode demonstrations include short transmissions using commercially available transceivers, as well as kilometer length transmission at extended data rates. The LPV demonstrations span kilometer length transmissions at high data rate with coherent detection, as well as a radio over fiber experiment with direct detection of narrowband signals.