This paper retrieves some new optical solutions to the Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar (KMN) equation in the context of nonlinear optical fiber communication systems. In this regard, the generalized Kudryashov and new auxiliary equation methods are applied to the KMN equation and consequently, dark, bright, periodic U-shaped and singular soliton solutions are explored. The discrepancies between the present obtained solutions and the previously obtained solutions by using different methods are discussed. The time fractional derivative and an oblique wave transformation in coordination with the methods of interest are considered for acquiring new optical wave solutions of the KMN equation in the sense of conformable derivative and wave obliqueness, respectively. The effects of obliqueness and fractionality on the attained solutions are demonstrated graphically along with its physical descriptions. It is found that the optical wave phenomena are changed with the increase of obliqueness as well as fractionality. All the obtained optical solutions are found to be new in the sense of conformable derivative, wave obliqueness, and the applied methods. Finally, it is found that the utilized methods and the relevant transformation are powerful over the other methods and it can be applicable for further studies to explain the pragmatic phenomena in optical fiber communication systems.