Abstract: An apparatus for routing a plurality of optical input signals to a plurality of optical output connections. In one embodiment, a plurality of optical switches are combined to route a number of optical signals that exceed the number of optical inputs for a single switch. The switch array includes a plurality of input switches optically connected to a plurality of intermediate switches, which are optically connected to a plurality of output switches. In the embodiments in which the number of input switches exceed the number of optical outputs of a single input switch, the input switches, intermediate switches, and output switches are arranged in groups or sets.

Abstract: An apparatus for routing a plurality of optical input signals to a plurality of optical output connections. In one embodiment, a plurality of optical switches are combined to route a number of optical signals that exceed the number of optical inputs for a single switch. The switch array includes a plurality of input switches optically connected to a plurality of intermediate switches, which are optically connected to a plurality of output switches. In the embodiments in which the number of input switches exceed the number of optical outputs of a single input switch, the input switches, intermediate switches, and output switches are arranged in groups or sets.

Abstract: An apparatus for routing a plurality of optical input signals to a plurality of optical output connections. In one embodiment, a switch includes an optical bench receiving and securing a plurality of input collimators and output collimators. The optical bench also receives and secures a plurality of actuators arranged in an array for reflecting and redirecting the optical signal from the input collimators to the output collimators.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and managing optical networks. The system includes tapping a test signal from optical signals in the optical network, routing the test signals through a N×1 switch, to a 1×N switch, to a selected test device. A processor controls the switching and monitors the test results, and initiates corrective action as required. The corrective action includes grooming and rerouting signals in the optical network in response to a failure or risk of failure.

Abstract: An method, apparatus, and computer program product for restoring a failed system in an optical mesh network. A system includes a first light termination element (LTE) and a second LTE. A first node in the network includes an optical switching unit (OSU) coupled to the first (LTE) of the system. A second node in the network includes a second OSU coupled to the second (LTE) of the system. The first node is coupled to the second node by a path. Optical data traffic can be transmitted between the first node and the second node via the path. Upon detection of a failure of the system, the first OSU and second OSU are notified of the failure. A primary role is assigned to one of the first and second OSUs, and a secondary role is assigned to the other one of the first and second OSUs. A primary restoration plan is determined by the primary OSU. Information identifying the primary restoration plan is sent from the primary OSU for effecting the restoration path to restore the system.

Abstract: An method, apparatus, and computer program product for restoring a failed system in an optical mesh network. A system includes a first light termination element (LTE) and a second LTE. A first node in the network includes an optical switching unit (OSU) coupled to the first (LTE) of the system. A second node in the network includes a second OSU coupled to the second (LTE) of the system. The first node is coupled to the second node by a path. Optical data traffic can be transmitted between the first node and the second node via the path. Upon detection of a failure of the system, the first OSU and second OSU are notified of the failure. A primary role is assigned to one of the first and second OSUs, and a secondary role is assigned to the other one of the first and second OSUs. A primary restoration plan is determined by the primary OSU. Information identifying the primary restoration plan is sent from the primary OSU for effecting the restoration path to restore the system.

Abstract: Optical loop-back is provided within an optical restoration system of an optical communication network. According to one embodiment, an optical restoration system includes first and second spare optical links (also called restoration paths) optically coupled in parallel between first and second optical cross-connect switches. Each restoration path includes a light regenerator and an optical amplifier. First and second optical cross-connect switches are each switched to provide respective optical loop-back paths between the first and second restoration paths or spare links. In one example, the optical loop-back paths can be configured within the optical cross-connect switches. In another example, the optical cross-connect switches are configured to couple optical signals between an external loop-back coupler and the first and second restoration paths or spare links.

Abstract: An optical interface device dynamically reconfigures a telecommunications network. The device includes an optically switched backplane connected between two stages of an optical tapped amplifier. Various modules may be plugged into the backplane for performing selective processing of the optical signal without any signal conversion to electrical domain. The modules are electrically controlled by a controller, which is also a module, overseeing the operations upon the optical signal by other modules.