Abstract: A data bus structure for cooperating with a plurality of nodes which are connected to each other. The data bus structure includes optical transmission modules associated with each node and a logical decision gate having inputs associated with each node. The logical decision output signal is provided in parallel to each node through the optical transmission modules. These modules serve to convert optical signals from the nodes to electrical signals and output to the logical decision gate and to convert electrical signals output from the logical decision gate to optical signals and output to the nodes. In order to separate a single node from the data bus, the transmission mode is monitored and an independently controlled switch is positioned between the logical decision gate and the optical transmission module. This arrangement functions to exclude a node from bus communication while leaving the remaining nodes uninterrupted.

Abstract: An optical superposition network that utilizes a time division multiplexing (TDM) protocol includes a first optical transmitter, a second optical transmitter and a receiver. The first optical transmitter transmits information in a tertiary mode during a time slot. The second optical transmitter transmits information in a tertiary mode during a different time slot. The information transmitted across the optical superposition network has an approximately constant average intensity such that the receiver can utilize a single decision threshold for the information received from the first and second optical transmitters.

Abstract: An optical network, which may be an all-optical network, including passive wavelength routers is described. Methods for implementing such networks as well as different router configurations which may be used in optical networks are also disclosed. The routing functionality in the all-optical network can be done in the optical domain without switching elements at the nodes. This is achieved by routers which are passive and preferably operative to route wavelength bands. A mesh can be used as the network configuration. The optical networks described can be used to facilitate the transmission of higher network protocols, such as internet protocol (IP) packets or ATM-cells, purely in the optical domain.

Abstract: A method for requesting a grant for Medium Access Control (MAC) being applied to a Passive Optical Network (PON) system. The method includes the steps of: a) deciding a period of a mini slot (Tms), which is necessary for a plurality of Optical Network Units (ONU) to transmit upstream cells to an Optical Line Termination (OLT); b) deciding a period of a divided slot (Tds) and a link overhead (Co) based on the period of the mini slot (Tms); c) calculating a length of the mini slot based on information to be transmitted to the OLT and a protocol being used; and d) requesting a grant for a MAC protocol between the plurality of the ONUs by calculating and allocating optimal parameters based on the length of the mini slot.

Abstract: A method for checking a ring optical network line for data transmission between a plurality of network subscribers in a motor vehicle, wherein one network subscribers carries out a master function, wherein, apart from the optical network line, there is a further communication line which has a star structure. The network subscribers having the master function is arranged in the centre of the star structure and is connected directly via the communication line to every other network subscribers. The optical network line is checked by the network subscriber having the master function outputting a start signal to the individual network subscribers. The individual network subscribers acknowledge the start signal for the network subscribers the master function via the communication line. After the start signal, the network subscriber having the master function outputs an initialization signal via the optical network line.

Abstract: In a communication network, a logical connections is realized by defined connection paths, with each connection containing at least one connection segment path, whereby a working connection path routed by a “star point” network node and a geographically different substitute connection path routed by another “star point” network node are provided for each connection. In addition, through-switching means are provided in the “star point” network nodes for the switching through of the connections, respectively, by the working connection path and the substitute connection path.