Multicast-capable optical cross-connect with layered modularity

Abstract

This invention relates to a multicast-capable optical cross-connect with layered modularity. Due to its layered modularity, this invention can be applied to many differently structured networks and provides easier maintenance than conventional optical cross-connects and efficient preparation for network evolution or node upgrade. By exploiting its simple elementary switches, multicast-capable optical cross-connect with layered modularity minimizes the switching time. For a given node, M input fiber ports supply multiplexed optical signals from other nodes in the network and m input fiber ports supply multiplexed optical signals generated from the node. M+m 1.times.M optical power splitters 311, 312, 313, 314, 315 distribute multiplexed input signals. A drop link module 331 selects signals to be dropped at the node where the optical cross-connect is installed. M transmission link modules 321, 322, 323 select signals to be transmitted to other nodes out of input signals.