Complex optical switch arrays
OwnerKai Y. Eng, Jon Andersoninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides switch arrays for use in optical communication systems. The switch arrays are illustrated in relatively simple and relatively complex versions for each of two types. Each switch array is assembled by connecting of plural optical switches to each other and to transmission links and packet switches accordingly. The result enables handling a greater quantity of signal volume.
Claims12
An optical switch array comprising:
- (a) a first optical switch connected for receiving signals from a source;
- (b) a second optical switch connected for receiving at least a portion of the signals from the first optical switch;
- (c) a third optical switch connected for receiving the portion of the signals from the second optical switch and adapted for transmitting signals therefrom;
- and
- (d) wherein at least one of the optical switches is connected for receiving incoming signals from a first packet switch and one of the optical switches is connected for transmitting outgoing signals to a second packet switch.
A complex optical switch array, comprising:
- (a) a first optical switch for receiving and transmitting optical signals;
- (b) a second optical switch connected for receiving signals from the first optical switch;
- (c) a third optical switch connected for receiving signals from the second optical switch and transmitting the received signals;
- (d) the third optical switch is additionally connected for adding new input signals from a source;
- and
- (e) the first optical switch is additionally connected for dropping certain signals.
A switching apparatus comprising a first switch having input ports and output ports, a second switch having input ports and output ports and add drop ports, and a third switch having input ports and output ports and add drop ports, the add drop ports of said second and third switches being connected to packet switches, the input ports of said first switch being connected to the output ports of said second switch, the output ports of said first switch being connected to the input ports of said third switch, the first switch being an optical switch arranged to translate inputs on one or more first wavelengths to outputs on one or more different wavelengths.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.