Wavelength converter and optical cross-connect system using the same

A wavelength interchanging cross-connector, comprising:

• at least one wavelength-division-demultiplexer for dividing incoming optical signals into a plurality of different wavelengths;
• at least one multi-wavelength light source for generating a multi-wavelength optical signal;
• at least one wavelength-division-multiplexer for multiplexing optical signals having a plurality of wavelengths in a forward direction and for de multiplexing the multi-wavelength optical signal in a reverse direction;
• a switch for switching output signals from the wavelength-division-multiplexer according to predetermined criteria for a subsequent transmission via the wavelength-division-multiplexer;
• at least one wavelength converter for performing a wavelength conversion on the output signals from the switch using the multi-wavelength optical signal generated by the multi-wavelength light source;
• a first optical circulator for transmitting the multi-wavelength optical signal to the wavelength-division-multiplexer;
• and,
• a second optical circulator coupled between the wavelength converter and the wavelength-division-multiplexer for providing the multi-wavelength optical signal demultiplexed by the wavelength-division-multiplexer as a tuned wavelength needed to perform the wavelength conversion by the wavelength converter.