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Reconfigurable multiwavelength network elements

  • US 6,272,154 B1
  • Filed: 10/30/1998
  • Issued: 08/07/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A reconfigurable multiwavelength network element for a bidirectional network ring having first and second optical paths corresponding to clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, comprising:

  • a first demultiplexer unit coupled with the first optical path, the first demultiplexer unit having a first input for receiving a first multiwavelength signal over first optical path and having first outputs for outputting at least a first signal and a second signal demultiplexed from the first multiwavelength signal;

    a second demultiplexer unit coupled with the second optical path, the second demultiplexer unit having a first input for receiving a second multiwavelength signal over the second optical path and having second outputs for outputting at least a third signal and a fourth signal demultiplexed from the second multiwavelength signal;

    a cross-connect unit for optically switching optical signals, wherein the cross-connect unit includes a first receiver to receive the first signal, a second receiver to receive the third signal, and a third receiver to receive a first client add signal, the cross-connect unit directing the first signal the third signal and the first client add signal to first, second, and third transmitters, and wherein the cross-connect unit further includes a fourth receiver to receive the second signal, a fifth receiver to receive the fourth signal, and a sixth receiver to receive a second client add signal, the cross-connect unit directing the second signal, the fourth signal and the second client add signal to fourth, fifth, and sixth transmitters;

    a first multiplexer unit interconnected with the third and fourth transmitters to multiplex together the respective signals, wherein the first transmitter provides a first client drop signal; and

    a second multiplexer unit interconnected with the second and sixth transmitters to multiplex together the respective signals, wherein the fifth transmitter provides a second client drop signal.

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