Abstract: Network infrastructure systems including asymmetric Distributed Broadcast Select Switches and Asymmetric Network Interface Controllers for implementation in asymmetric networks and more particularly in cluster networks are provided.

Abstract: Doped fiber amplifiers (DFA) using rare-earth doping materials with linear and non-linear interactions between the optical signal to be amplified and the pump laser have become a standard element of optical telecommunications systems for multiple applications including for example extending the reach of optical links before opto-electronic conversion is required or support increased fanout. However, in many applications wherein multiple DFAs are employed the electrical power budget wherein the pump laser diode (LD) represents approximately 25% of the module power consumption directly, and closer to approximately 40-50% once the control and drive electronics for the thermoelectric cooler and LD are included. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to reduce the overall power consumption of a DFA by exploiting unused optical pump power such that multiple gain stages, within the same or different DFAs, may be driven from a single pump LD.

Abstract: An optical component has a lens including a further optical component therein. The further optical component acts upon light propagating within a portion of the lens but not on light propagating within a second other portion of the lens. A simple configuration involves a lens having a slot for having the optical component inserted therein. Optical components including the lens with further optical component include beam splitters and beam combiners.

Abstract: An optical component is disclosed having a lens including a further optical component therein. The further optical component acts upon light propagating within a portion of the lens but not on light propagating within a second other portion of the lens. A simple configuration involves a lens having a slot for having the optical component inserted therein.

Abstract: An doped fiber optical amplifier featuring an optical component having first wavelength division multiplexer, an isolator and a second wavelength division multiplexer is described. The isolator supports the propagation of optical signals within a predetermined signal wavelength range in one direction. Pump signals having a wavelength within a pump wavelength range are diverted by the wavelength division multiplexers to inhibit coupling of the pump signals with the isolator. The optical amplifier supports the use of relatively high-powered optical pump lasers. The optical component is optically disposed between different lengths of doped fiber and serves to reduce optical noise within the amplifier.

Abstract: An optical device featuring a first wavelength division multiplexer, an isolator and a second wavelength division multiplexer is described. The isolator supports the propagation of optical signals within a predetermined signal wavelength range in one direction. Pump signals having a wavelength within a pump wavelength range are diverted by the wavelength division multiplexers to inhibit coupling of the pump signals with the isolator.

Abstract: An doped fiber optical amplifier featuring an optical component having first wavelength division multiplexer, an isolator and a second wavelength division multiplexer is described. The isolator supports the propagation of optical signals within a predetermined signal wavelength range in one direction. Pump signals having a wavelength within a pump wavelength range are diverted by the wavelength division multiplexers to inhibit coupling of the pump signals with the isolator. The optical amplifier supports the use of relatively high-powered optical pump lasers. The optical component is optically disposed between different lengths of doped fiber and serves to reduce optical noise within the amplifier.