Multiplex communications – Communication techniques for information carried in plural... – Combining or distributing information via time channels
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-30
2001-08-07
Chin, Wellington (Department: 2664)
Multiplex communications
Communication techniques for information carried in plural...
Combining or distributing information via time channels
C359S341430, C359S199200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06272154
ABSTRACT:
The present application hereby incorporates by reference “Reconfigurable Multiwavelength Network Elements: A Proposal for the MONET Washington, DC Field Experiment Extension” submitted by Tellium, Inc. to Bell Communications Research, Inc. (Final Revision, Dec. 3, 1997) and “Multiwavelength Network Elements For the MONET Field Experiment Extension: Hardware and Software Functional Specifications” by Tellium, Inc. (Release 1.0, Mar. 30, 1998).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to multiwavelength network elements for use in an optical network system.
The volume of information communicated through modern communications networks has expanded dramatically in recent years and is projected to continue expanding in the future. The ever-increasing demand for communications services will soon overwhelm the capacity of current communications networks. Accordingly, new communications systems are required to meet the needs and demands of modern users. Multiwavelength optical network communications systems are ideally suited to transfer huge volumes of information. A multiwavelength optical network is composed of multiple network elements coupled together by optical fiber transmission lines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a network element for use in a multiwavelength optical network. Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, a reconfigurable multiwavelength network element comprises a first demultiplexer unit for demultiplexing a first multiplexed optical signal from a first optical fiber into a first plurality of optical outputs; a second demultiplexer unit for demultiplexing a second multiplexed optical signal from a second optical fiber into a second plurality of optical outputs; a first multiplexer unit having first optical inputs for receiving signals to be multiplexed together; a second multiplexer unit having second optical inputs for receiving signals to be multiplexed together; and a cross-connect unit having first and second portions, the first portion directing signals received from at least a first one of the first plurality of optical outputs and a first one of the second plurality of optical outputs to a first one of the first optical inputs and a first one of the second optical inputs, the second portion directing signals received from at least a second one of the first plurality of optical outputs and a second one of the second plurality of optical outputs to a second one of the first optical inputs and a second one of the second optical inputs.
In another aspect, a reconfigurable multiwavelength network element comprises a first demultiplexer unit having a first input for receiving a first multiwavelength signal over a first optical fiber and having first outputs for outputting at least a first signal and a second signal demultiplexed from the first multiwavelength signal; a second demultiplexer unit having a first input for receiving a second multiwavelength signal over a second optical fiber and having second outputs for outputting at least a third signal and a fourth signal demultiplexed from the second multiwavelength signal; a cross-connect unit having first and second portions, wherein the first portion includes a first receiver to receive the first signal, a second receiver to receive the third signal, and a third receiver to receive a first client add signal, the first portion directing the first signal, the third signal, and the first client add signal to first, second, and third transmitters, wherein the second portion includes a fourth receiver to receive the second signal, a fifth receiver to receive the fourth signal, and a sixth receiver to receive a second client add signal, the second portion directing the second signal, the fourth signal and the second client add signal to fourth, fifth, and sixth transmitters; a first multiplexer unit interconnected with the third transmitter and one of the first and fourth transmitters to multiplex together the respective signals, wherein the other one of the first and fourth transmitters provides a first client drop signal; and a second multiplexer unit interconnected with the sixth transmitter and one of the second and fifth transmitters to multiplex together the respective signals, wherein the other one of the second and fifth transmitters provides a second client drop signal.
In another aspect, a reconfigurable multiwavelength network element comprises a demultiplexer unit for receiving and demultiplexing a multiplexed optical signal, the demultiplexer unit having optical outputs corresponding to channels of the multiplexed signal; a first multiplexer unit having optical inputs for receiving signals to be multiplexed together; and a cross-connect unit to direct signals received from the optical outputs and a client add port to the optical inputs and a client drop port.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
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Bala Krishna
Brackett Charles A.
Gamelin John
Tomlinson W. John
Chin Wellington
Jones Premell
Morgan & Lewis & Bockius, LLP
Tellium Inc.
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