Abstract

All-optical routing, exploiting wavelength-division-multiplexing techniques, could permit transport networks of higher capacities with simultaneous increased flexibility and dependability. A multiwavelength optical cross-connection node (OXCN) that allows the reuse of the same set of wavelengths on different links has been proposed.¹ It makes use of both space- and wavelength-switching techniques, the latter ones including wavelength selection and wavelength conversion (Fig. 1). We report here the assessment of the feasibility of a 4×4 OXCN, with four wavelengths on each port (from 1548 to 1560 nm with 4-nm channel spacing), at a line rate of 10 Gbit/s in an experiment using advanced components.

© 1995 Optical Society of America