Scalable optical cross-connect system and method transmitter/receiver protection
US6335992B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0056
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical cross-connect system and method allows service providers to economically and efficiently handle capacity upgrades to meet future demands. The optical cross-connect can be embodied as a three-stage switch having a first, a middle, and a last stage. Capacity upgrades may be accomplished by adding additional first and last stage switches to meet increased demand and by replacing the middle stage switches. Accordingly, the original first and last stage switches may be retained in the upgraded optical cross-connect. The resulting optical cross-connect may include both optical and electronic components and the upgrade may be performed without interrupting service.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.