Flexible and low cost wavelength management for optical networking
US6804464B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B2210/258
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and devices for individually controlling the signal strength of single or multiple optical channels. A controller module monitors the signal strength of channels and amplifies those that need amplifying while attenuating those that are too strong using the same Erbium doped fiber amplifier. A controllable compensation module receives at least one channel and, when required, can either amplify or attenuate the signal strength of the channel(s). The module can be constructed out of a single fiber with an associated pump laser. If the laser provides insufficient pumping power, the fiber acts as an attenuator. If the laser provides a higher level of pump power, the fiber acts as an amplifier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.