Abstract: A method for routing network switching information includes generating at one Time Slot Network (TS Net) data firame from at least one data frame of a first type. The TS Net data frame comprises switching event information. The TS Net data frame is transferred and stored among a number of network elements using a backplane network. Compare operations are performed among prespecified data frames of the TS Net data frame, and at least one interrupt signal is generated in response to detected changes resulting from the compare operations. Information routing is controlled in at least one network and the associated network elements in response to the interrupt signals.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system are described for receiving an optical signal in an optical filter and routing the optical signal through the optical filter multiple times.

Abstract: An interface for communications among network elements of at least one network is provided, comprising at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, at least one processor, and at least one backplane coupled among the network elements. Data frames of a second type, or Time Slot Network (TS Net) data frames, are generated and transferred over the backplane in response to receipt data frames of a first type from the network. The TS Net data frames comprise switching event information. Compare operations are performed among prespecified TS Net data frames at prespecified intervals, and at least one interrupt signal is generated in response to data changes determined by the compare operations. Information routing is controlled over the network by a processor in response to the interrupt signal.

Abstract: An acousto-optic filter includes an optical fiber with a first region and a second region. A first acoustic wave generator is coupled to optical fiber. The first acoustic wave generator produces a first acoustic wave that travels in a first direction in the first region. A backward-propagating wave is generated in response to propagation of the first acoustic wave along the optical fiber. The backward-propagating wave travels in an opposite direction relative to the first acoustic wave. A first acoustic wave propagation member is coupled to the optical fiber. A second acoustic wave generator is coupled to the optical fiber at the second region. The second acoustic wave generator produces a second acoustic wave that combines with the backward propagating acoustic wave.

Abstract: An acousto-optic filter includes an optical fiber with a first region and a second region. A first acoustic wave generator is coupled to optical fiber. The first acoustic wave generator produces a first acoustic wave that travels in a first direction in the first region. A backward-propagating wave is generated in response to propagation of the first acoustic wave along the optical fiber. The backward-propagating wave travels in an opposite direction relative to the first acoustic wave. A first acoustic wave propagation member is coupled to the optical fiber. A second acoustic wave generator is coupled to the optical fiber at the second region. The second acoustic wave generator produces a second acoustic wave that combines with the backward propagating acoustic wave.