Optical: systems and elements – Deflection using a moving element – Using a periodically moving element
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-24
2001-10-23
Pascal, Leslie (Department: 2733)
Optical: systems and elements
Deflection using a moving element
Using a periodically moving element
C359S199200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06307653
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to optical matrix switches, and more specifically, to protection mechanisms for optical matrix switches.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Fiber optic technology has continued to expand across today's data communication networks. Having replaced many of the long-haul connections and other inter-office facilities, fiber optics technology has begun to replace transmission facilities and network elements used in intra-office communication. One of the primary network elements used in intra-office communication is the digital cross-connect. Generally, digital cross-connects link any of several incoming lines to any of several outgoing lines. Today's digital cross-connects switch digital signals on the electrical level. Thus, a fiber optic terminal that receives an optical signal must convert the optical signal to an electrical signal before it sends it to the digital cross-connect.
Optical cross-connects are envisioned as the replacement for the conventional digital cross-connect. Optical cross-connects switch signals at the optical level and therefore obviate the need for optical-to-electrical conversions. The elimination of unnecessary components can lower the overall cost of the network while also increasing the reliability of the network. Reliability is a paramount concern to network planners and bandwidth providers. For optical cross-connects to be considered as viable replacements for digital cross-connects, the optical cross-connects must meet reasonable reliability expectations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses the reliability concerns of optical matrix switches by providing an optical matrix protection system that enables a failed path in an optical matrix switch to be re-routed. The optical matrix protection system of the present invention includes a N×1 optical switch and a 1×N optical switch, wherein an input port of the 1×N optical switch is coupled to an output port of the N×1 optical switch.
The inputs to the N×1 optical switch are provided by output ports of a plurality of 1×2 optical switches. The 1×2 optical switches are positioned such that an input port of a 1×2 optical switch is coupled to an input line carrying an optical signal, a first output port of the 1×2 optical switch is coupled to one of N input ports of a N×N switch, and a second output port of the 1×2 optical switch is coupled to one of N input ports of the N×1 optical switch.
The N outputs of the 1×N optical switch are coupled to input ports of a plurality of 2×1 optical switches. The 2×1 optical switches are positioned such that an output port of a 2×1 optical switch is coupled to an output line, a first input port of the 2×1 optical switch is coupled to one of N output ports of the N×N switch, and a second input port of the 2×1 optical switch is coupled to one of N output ports of the 1×N optical switch.
Upon a failure in a path connecting an optical input port and an optical output port of the N×N switch, the failed path is re-routed through the N×1 optical switch and the 1×N optical switch using one of the plurality of 1×2 optical switches and one of the plurality of 2×1 optical switches.
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.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4894818 (1990-01-01), Fujioka
patent: 5390178 (1995-02-01), Hunter
patent: 5471332 (1995-11-01), Shiragaki
patent: 5754320 (1998-05-01), Wantanabe
patent: 5838848 (1998-11-01), Laude
E-TEK Dynamics Data Sheet for a Programable IXN Fiberoptic Swich Module (PFSM).
JDS FITEL Data Sheet for a SV Series Programable IXN Optical Fiber Switch.
JDS FITEL Data Sheet for a SR Series 1:2 Switch Module.
DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc. Data Sheet for a On-Off CD 1×2 Single Mode Switches.
DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc. Data Sheet for a VX500 IXN 2XN Swithces.
Bala Krishna
Gamelin John
Tomlinson W. John
Bello Agustin
Morgan & Lewis & Bockius, LLP
Pascal Leslie
Tellium, INC
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