Hybrid wavelength-interchanging cross-connect
US6333799A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/005
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A wavelength-interchanging cross-connect for a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) optical communication system including both transparent optical paths and opaque paths through an electronic switching network, such as a high-speed digital cross-connect switch (DCS), including matching opto-electronic conversions of the data signal. All-optical switching is performed on the input and output sides, for example, by mechanically actuated fiber switches. The DCS, receiving optical inputs from the input optical switches and providing optical outputs to the output optical switches, performs switching in the electrical domain and can perform wavelength conversion of the signals passing through it. The DCS also provides for access to electrical add/drop lines for interfacing to a client. The transparent optical path, which can be either direct or through an optical switch, transfers a signal without regard to its format from the input to the output of the switching system. An algorithm is available for setting up the required connection through the different components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.