High density optical network access switch

US7602772B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Christopher Cicchetti · Menlo Park, US
• Timothy M. Beyers · San Francisco, US
• Donald A. Blackwell · Saratoga, US
• Stephen Nelson · Chippewa Falls, US
• Greta Light · San Mateo, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 30, 2005
• Grant date: Oct 13, 2009
• Expiry date: Apr 7, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04Q2011/0083
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

In one example, an optical network access switch includes independent first and second banks of individually selectable optical inputs, as well as independent first and second groups of individually controllable optical outputs. A first multiplexer is connected to the optical inputs of the first bank and the optical outputs of the first group, and a second multiplexer is connected to the optical inputs of the second bank and the optical outputs of the second group. Finally, a configuration interface communicates with the first and second multiplexers and receives a switching command which specifies the connection/disconnection of an optical output to/from an optical input.