Reconfigurable multiwavelength network elements

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.