Abstract

Cross connect in the physical layer of the optical network is needed of several reasons. They may vary from operator to operator depending on the network architecture. The main reasons in many cases are installation of new terminals and service work on the fiber line. The cross connection is made at the ODF (=optical distribution frame) points in the network. The ODF:s are frequent and placed at the nodes in the network. To upgrade the network and install a new terminal, the appropriate connections are made manually at the ODF. To reduce labour cost and time Ericsson suggest to introduce a remotely controllable ODF. The remote control is made from anywhere in the network from a portable PC. With an remotely controllable ODF the documentation of the fiber network configuration may be made automatically and always be kept updated.

© 1995 Optical Society of America