Optical switching node and method for operating same
US6587240B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0079
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical switching node and method for operating same is disclosed. If a signal received over an optical fiber is destined for the switching node at which the signal is received, the signal is processed conventionally. If there is a signal on the fiber that is destined for a different optical switching node, then a node controller will determine whether that signal requires equalization and/or regeneration. A network manager instructs the node controller whether the signal requires wavelength conversion. In accordance with the invention, if the optical signal on the fiber is destined for a different optical switching node and requires none of equalization, regeneration and wavelength conversion, the optical signal remains in the optical domain and is switched directly to an appropriate output fiber. If the node controller and network manager determine that the optical signal that is destined for a different optical switching node requires any combination of equalization, regeneration, and/or wavelength conversion, then the signal is further processed in the optical switching node to provide those functions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.