Optical network switching system

Details Optical network switching system Optical network switching system

1998-01-30

2000-10-24

Pascal, Leslie

Optical: systems and elements

Deflection using a moving element

Using a periodically moving element

359124, 359123, 359173, 385 24, H04J 1402

Patent

active

061376086

ABSTRACT:
An apparatus is provided for multiplexing optical signals in an optical network. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a plurality of input fibers disposed to receive a plurality of optical input signals. Each optical input signal is defined by a wavelength. A first converter is disposed in series with each of the plurality of input fibers, and is configured to convert each optical input signal into an electrical input signal in a manner such that each electrical input signal is defined by a frequency that corresponds to the wavelength of the optical input signal. A second converter is disposed in series the first converter, and is configured to convert the electrical input signal into a plurality of optical signals of differing wavelengths at an output. A first optical switch--having a plurality of switch inputs and a plurality of switch outputs and a plurality of optical fibers extending between the plurality of switch inputs and the outputs of the plurality of second converters--is also included. Each optical fiber, within the first optical switch, carries the optical signals of differing wavelengths generated by the second converter. The first optical switch is configured to select one of the optical signals of differing wavelengths from each of the switch inputs and controllably direct that optical signal to any of the switch outputs. In this way, optical signals on the plurality of input fibers may be controllably routed and multiplexed to the plurality of output fibers. Specifically, the first and second converters cooperate to ensure the optical signals that are multiplexed together on a single optical fiber are of differing wavelength.

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