Abstract: A process for discovering a path from a source node to a destination node through a network by using “collisions” of randomly-propagating “feeler” packets originating from both the source node and the destination node. A discovered path is reported to the source node by the collision-detecting node where it may be stored and updated responsively to reports of new feeler packet collisions. Paths discovered and reported may be analyzed at either the collision-detecting node or the originating node to remove loops. The random collision-detecting path-discovery procedure reduces the operational traffic overhead associated with other exponentially-proliferating discovery methods. The feeler packets are propagated randomly through the network topology, thereby imposing relatively uniform path-discovery traffic effects in the network. Path discoveries arising from feeler-packet collisions always reflect current network topology and traffic conditions.

Abstract: An optical switching system includes a substrate, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) input mirror, a MEMS output mirror, and an opposing mirror. The substrate is configured to carry an input light source and an output light source spaced from the input light source. The microelectromechanical system (MEMS) input mirror is carried by the substrate. The MEMS output mirror is carried by the substrate and is spaced from the MEMS input mirror. The opposing mirror is disposed opposite the substrate and is configured to communicate optically with an input light source and an output light source carried by the substrate. The input mirror optically couples an input beam from the input light source via the opposing mirror to a location on the opposing mirror with the output mirror via the opposing mirror. The output mirror optically couples the location on the opposing mirror with the output light source via the opposing mirror.

Abstract: An optical switch, preferably an add/drop switch, includes a minimal number of two-state switching arrangements, thereby facilitating a reduction of switch complexity. Light pulses entering the switch via a given input port may be directed to either a corresponding output port or a corresponding drop port by the operation of the switching arrangements. Light pulses entering the switch via a given add port may be directed to a corresponding output port or may be disbursed by the operation of the switching arrangements. The switching arrangements are toggled between reflective and transmissive states. In the preferred embodiment, the two-state switching arrangements are controlled by the manipulation of index matching fluid within trenches. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the switching arrangements are configured such that a given light pulse interacts with only one trench, thereby minimizing the overall signal loss and loss non-uniformities within the switch.

Abstract: An optical switching system includes a substrate, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) input mirror, a MEMS output mirror, and an opposing mirror. The substrate is configured to carry an input light source and an output light source spaced from the input light source. The microelectromechanical system (MEMS) input mirror is carried by the substrate. The MEMS output mirror is carried by the substrate and is spaced from the MEMS input mirror. The opposing mirror is disposed opposite the substrate and is configured to communicate optically with an input light source and an output light source carried by the substrate. The input mirror optically couples an input beam from the input light source via the opposing mirror to a location on the opposing mirror with the output mirror via the opposing mirror. The output mirror optically couples the location on the opposing mirror with the output light source via the opposing mirror.

Abstract: An optical switching node and method for operating same is disclosed. If a signal received over an optical fiber is destined for the switching node at which the signal is received, the signal is processed conventionally. If there is a signal on the fiber that is destined for a different optical switching node, then a node controller will determine whether that signal requires equalization and/or regeneration. A network manager instructs the node controller whether the signal requires wavelength conversion. In accordance with the invention, if the optical signal on the fiber is destined for a different optical switching node and requires none of equalization, regeneration and wavelength conversion, the optical signal remains in the optical domain and is switched directly to an appropriate output fiber.

Abstract: A process for discovering a path from a source node to a destination node through a network by using “collisions” of randomly-propagating “feeler” packets originating from both the source node and the destination node. A discovered path is reported to the source node by the collision-detecting node where it may be stored and updated responsively to reports of new feeler packet collisions. Paths discovered and reported may be analyzed at either the collision-detecting node or the originating node to remove loops. The random collision-detecting path-discovery procedure reduces the operational traffic overhead associated with other exponentially-proliferating discovery methods. The feeler packets are propagated randomly through the network topology, thereby imposing relatively uniform path-discovery traffic effects in the network. Path discoveries arising from feeler-packet collisions always reflect current network topology and traffic conditions.