Method and apparatus for bridging optical signals in an optical network
US6813407B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0088
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods, apparatus and systems for regenerating, monitoring and bridging optical signals through an optical cross-connect switch to provide increased reliability. A self testing method, apparatus and system for an optical cross-connect switch. An optical-to-electrical-to-optical converter (O/E/O) is provided in an optical cross-connect switch to provide optical-electrical-optical conversion. I/O port cards having an optical-to-electrical-to-optical converter are referred to as smart port cards while I/O port cards without an optical-to-electrical-to-optical converter are referred to as passive port cards. Test port/monitor cards are also provided for testing optical cross-connect switches. Methods, apparatus and systems for performing bridging, test access, and supporting redundant optical switch fabrics are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.