Abstract

The underlying node model of the cross-connect is sketched in Fig. 1. Eight incoming fibers each supporting 16 densely multiplexed frequencies can be routed arbitrarily to 16 frequencies carried on each of eight outgoing fibers. After power splitting of an incoming OFDM signal, tunable frequency selective receivers select a prescribed OFDM channel using the circuit switched mode. Due to their high selectivity the tunable heterodyne receivers provide the required signal demultiplexing function and in turn a reordering function. Conceptually, switching is performed in the space domain by electrical space switching stages with free-space interconnects between them. The choice of 1.5 μm for the wavelength is suitable for an optical transparent network, where the electronic switches will be replaced by optical switches in a further step of development.

© 1995 Optical Society of America