Digital subcarrier optical network utilizing digital subcarrier cross-connects with increased energy efficiency

A method of transporting data along an optical network, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) detecting an incoming optical signal on a particular wavelength and decomposing the optical signal into one or more radio-frequency signals, wherein each of the one or more radio-frequency signals has a destination;
• (b) directing the one or more radio-frequency signals via a radio-frequency crossbar circuit switch to an output circuit based on their destinations;
• (c) assigning the one or more radio-frequency signals to one or more subcarrier channels;
• (d) using one or more filters operable to spectrally separate the subcarrier channels;
• (e) assigning a transmission rate to each subcarrier channel;
• (f) grouping the one or more radio-frequency signals according to their destinations;
• and
• (g) modulating the one or more radio-frequency signals onto an outgoing optical signal.

An optical network using digital subcarrier cross-connect switching, the optical network comprising:

• a receiver operable to detect an optical signal on a particular wavelength and to decompose the optical signal into one or more radio-frequency signals, wherein each of the one or more radio-frequency signals has a destination;
• a radio-frequency crossbar circuit switch operable to receive the one or more radio-frequency signals and direct them to an output circuit based on their destinations;
• and
• a transmitter operable to receive the one or more radio-frequency signals from the radio-frequency crossbar circuit switch and assign them a frequency, group one or more of the radio-frequency signals according to their destinations, and modulate one or more of the radio-frequency signals onto an outgoing optical signal.