Abstract

The vision of a transport network dominated by all-optical network elements - optical wavelength cross-connects (WXCs), optical add/drop multiplexers (OADMs) and optical line systems (OLSs) - has been dampened by the reality of carrier needs, and the folly of unbridled financial speculation. But while the “all-optical” network may still be far from practical realization, transport networks continue to evolve toward equipment with increased optical features and functions - though not at the pace envisioned just a few years ago.

© 2005 Optical Society of America