Abstract: Apparatus for processing data packets within a grid-based mesh network having a plurality of particular nodes at the intersections of rows and columns of data transmission links which link the nodes together, which apparatus can determine if a particular incoming data packet has previously been re-transmitted through a particular node or has a wavelength of a data packet currently being processed through the node and, a plurality of tunable filters for blocking a data packet from being re-transmitted if the packet has such a wavelength or was previously re-transmitted through the nodes.

Abstract: An optical switching device is described which comprises a substrate of light absorbent material, a plurality of holes defined through the substrate containing a liquid material having an index of refraction which is highly temperature dependent within a selected temperature range of operation, the liquid-filled holes defining a plurality of waveguides for conducting light through the substrate.