Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for the wavelength division multiplexing/asynchronous transfer mode (WDM/ATM) operation of high-capacity optical communication networks. The optical components of the network can transport vast amounts of information, while the ATM-based electronics provides data processing, and information distribution. The capacity of the communications network to reconfigure and rearrange itself is maximized through wavelength translation of its data signals using a limited set of fixed-wavelength channels. The system incorporates an optical fiber communication network ring, or several optical fiber communication network rings that are connected to each other, through which data signals are transmitted and received. Optical WDM cross-connecting switch devices 4a-4e connect adjacent optical fiber rings 3a, 3b to each other, and control the routing of the data signals into and out of the optical fiber rings 3a, 3b.

Abstract: In a multiwavelength lightwave communications system automatic self-power regulation on a channel-by-channel basis is achieved with a cascade of multiwavelength amplifier modules (200), wherein each multiwavelength amplifier module in the cascade includes a plurality of pump-shared parallel fiber amplifiers (208) operated in gain-saturation and connected between an optical demultiplexer (203) and multiplexer (209). An optional first gain stage (202) improves performance with higher optical signal-to-noise ratio. By self-regulating the power in each channel, the communications system is scalable, allowing the system to grow without deleterious effects due to power spread.