Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates transmission control in an Ethernet passive optical network, which includes a central node and at least one remote node, and wherein a remote node implements a data-link layer and a physical layer. During operation, the system starts by receiving, at the physical layer of a remote node, a word which is communicated from the data-link layer of the remote node, wherein the word may be a data word or an idle word. The system then delays the word for a pre-determined amount of time before allowing the word to be transmitted by a transmitter, thereby providing time for turning the transmitter on or off. The system also turns the transmitter on or off based on the content of the received words.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for creating and optimizing a DWDM optical fiber network that is configured to service a set of demands associated with a region of interest.

Abstract: A transmission system for a passive optical network comprises a shared optical transmission apparatus, a shared electrical interface apparatus and a plurality of transmission convergence termination units. The shared optical transmission apparatus is configured for being coupled to an optical line termination unit via an optical fiber. The shared electrical interface apparatus is coupled to the shared optical transmission apparatus. The plurality of transmission convergence termination units is coupled to the shared electrical interface apparatus. Each one of the transmission convergence termination units is configured for selectively controlling the shared electrical interface apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus or corresponding method of managing Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines in a Passive Optical Network (PON) to prevent an alarm system from generating an alarm during a software upgrade or maintenance of an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), Optical Line Terminal (OLT), or PON while maintaining the effectiveness of the alarm system. The ONT may store data related to a POTS line in nonvolatile memory. The ONT may activate the POTS line based on the data from the nonvolatile memory in an event of interruption in communications with an OLT prior to reestablishing communications with the OLT. The interruption in communications may be caused by an ONT reboot to complete an installation of a software upgrade. The ONT may energize the POTS line with a voltage in response to activating the POTS line to prevent the alarm system from generating the alarm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to allocating the use of optical light-trails. Optical light-trails enable a plurality of nodes included in a light-trail to share the use of an optical wavelength to transmit traffic between the nodes included in the light-trail. A method for allocating the use of an optical light-trail includes calculating a bid at each of one or more nodes included in the light-trail. Each of the nodes calculates a bid with consideration for the criticality of the node's need to transmit particular traffic on the light-trail. The method also includes transmitting the calculated bids from one or more of the nodes to an arbiter node. The arbiter node determines the maximum received bid, determines whether to allocate the use of the light-trail to the node associated with the maximum bid, and then communicates one or more control messages to the nodes that transmitted the bids indicating to which node use of the light-trail is allocated.

Abstract: An optical transmitter of an optical-wireless hybrid transmission system according to the invention outputs a first single-mode optical signal (center frequency: fC1) to an optical receiver, generates a polarization-coupled optical signal by orthogonal-polarization-coupling a second single-mode optical signal (center frequency: fC2) with a third single-mode optical signal (center frequency: fC3) so as to give the two waves orthogonal polarization directions and the same optical power, and transmits the generated polarization-coupled optical signal to a base station as an optical carrier signal. The optical receiver couples a modulated optical signal transmitted from the base station with the optical signal output from the optical transmitter, demodulates an electrical signal having intermediate frequencies fIF1 and fIF2 that is obtained by photodecting a resulting coupled optical signal, and generates transmit-data by filtering a resulting output signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical communication system, a sub-rate multiplexing/de-multiplexing apparatus and the method thereof such that the optical communication system could meet the demand of Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) communications using the existing optical fiber network. This optical communication system includes an optical transmitting module and an optical receiving module connected by optical fibers, wherein the optical transmitting module is used for converting the inputted electrical signals into optical signals and transferring the optical signals to the optical receiving module via optical fibers, and the optical receiving module is used for converting the received optical signals into electrical signals and outputting the electrical signals. In the optical signals transferred by optical fibers, the data transmission rate of at least one wavelength is about 5 Gb/s.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modulation scheme for optical communication, in particular for fiber optics communication. According to invention, an optical signal is generated, both phase and polarization of which modulated in dependency of the data to be transmitted. Preferably, the generated optical signal comprises a sequence of symbols (22a-22k) and each symbol (22a-22k) has one of two different phase states and one of two different orthogonal polarization states.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical packet communication system using a wavelength-offset polarization-division multiplexing labeling. An optical signal transmitter which is provided at an ingress node positioned at a sending end in an optical packet switching network, generates and combines packet data and a label, and transmits the combined packet data and label to a core node, wherein the packet data and label have polarization directions perpendicular to each other and maintain a predetermined wavelength interval. A label swapping device detects the label from the combined packet data and label received from the optical signal transmitter, detects next moving position information of the packet data, for generating a new label, substitutes the detected label by the new label, combines the new label with the packet data, and transmits the combined packet data and new label to a next moving position.

Abstract: A coherent optical receiver includes a 90-degree optical hybrid circuit to which a received signal light is input, I-channel and Q-channel photo detectors to which the outputs of the hybrid circuit are input, a clock extraction circuit which reproduces a clock whose speed is the same as a demodulated signal obtained by demodulating the received signal light and which is synchronized therewith, I-channel and Q-channel sampling circuits which sample the signal outputs from the I-channel and Q-channel photo detectors by use of the clock, and a digital signal processing section which digitally processes the sampled signals, converts them to a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal. The digital signal processing section feeds a phase offset signal detected there back to the clock extraction circuit to thereby control the phase of the clock, and compensates dispersion of light within a fiber and phase fluctuation during free-space propagation.

Abstract: In an ADM device, first and second modulators and first and second demodulators are provided as a mod/demod device for radio communication, first to fourth SDH interface circuits and first and second SDH mapping/demapping circuits are provided for processing SDH signals, and path switching is performed by means of first and second signal branch circuits and first and second signal switches to enable simultaneous processing of both modulated signals and SDH signals. This configuration eliminates the need for outside mod/demod devices for radio communication when forming a radio network and therefore reduces the cost of constructing a system. In addition, the ability to simultaneously process modulated signals and SDH signals enables the simultaneous construction of an optical and radio network.

Abstract: An optical transmitter of an optical-wireless hybrid transmission system according to the invention outputs a first single-mode optical signal (center frequency: fC1) to an optical receiver, generates a polarization-coupled optical signal by orthogonal-polarization-coupling a second single-mode optical signal (center frequency: fC2) with a third single-mode optical signal (center frequency: fC3) so as to give the two waves orthogonal polarization directions and the same optical power, and transmits the generated polarization-coupled optical signal to a base station as an optical carrier signal. The optical receiver couples a modulated optical signal transmitted from the base station with the optical signal output from the optical transmitter, demodulates an electrical signal having intermediate frequencies fIF1 and fIF2 that is obtained by photodecting a resulting coupled optical signal, and generates transmit-data by filtering a resulting output signal.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting a list of willingness-to-pays for optical data capacities to an optical network. The optical network has a set of gateway nodes connected directly to nodes of a data network. The optical network is configured to transmit data communications on a plurality of wavelength channels. Each willingness-to-pay represents a value for an optical data capacity between a corresponding pair of the gateway nodes of the optical network.

Abstract: This invention provides a new architecture for a communication system between head-ends and end-users which expands bandwidth and reliability of the communication system. A mux-node receives communication signals from a head-end and forwards the received communication signals to one or more mini-fiber nodes. The connection to the head-end is via a small number of optical fibers and the connections to each of the mini-fiber nodes may be via one or more optical fibers that may provide full duplex communication. The head-end may communicate with the mux-node using digital or digital and analog signals. The mini-fiber nodes may combine the signals received from the head-end with loop-back signals used for local media access control prior to forwarding the signals to the end-users. Upstream data are received by the mini-fiber nodes and transmitted to the mux-node.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling cost-effective duplex communication by diplexing one of down stream signals for frequency up-conversion in a hybrid fiber-radio system includes diplexing an unmodulated mode signal among beating signals between a master laser and an injection-locked slave laser and using the diplexed signal for down-conversion in upstream transmission, thereby eliminating the need for expensive high-frequency local oscillators for frequency conversion. Higher radio frequency signals can be generated using beating between basic modes and satellite modes such as FWM conjugates of the master laser and slave laser. Cost-effective systems, stabilization of a light source and improved transmission performance may be achieved by using a diplexer instead of an expensive high-frequency local oscillator.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a packet in a wireless access network based on a wavelength identification code scheme. The method comprises the steps of connecting n number of RNCs (Radio Network Controllers) to one sub-ring where the “n” is a positive integer, and assigning a unique wavelength to each RNC; identifying a packet to be transmitted between the RNCs located within a same sub-ring using the assigned unique wavelength, and transmitting the packet through an SRC (Sub-Ring Controller); connecting m number of SRCs to one main-ring where the “m” is a positive integer, and assigning a unique wavelength to each SRC; and detaching a wavelength identification code from the packet to be transmitted between the RNCs located within different sub-rings, and transmitting the packet having the encapsulated wavelength identification code through an MRC (Main-Ring Controller).

Abstract: A wavelength access server (WAS) architecture provides aggregation of traffic streams of diverse data communication protocols as well as provision of wavelength resources in an optical transport network. The WAS provides functions such as service traffic adaptation, traffic aggregation and segmentation, traffic classification, optical inter-working and system management. In particular, system management includes aspects such as signaling, connection management, resource co-ordination, protection prioritization and access policy management.

Abstract: A communication system receives information from a first communication link. The communication system transfers a free-space optical signal carrying the information and transfers a high-GHz wireless signal carrying the information. The communication system receives the free-space optical signal carrying the information and receives the high-GHz wireless signal carrying the information. The communication system assesses communication performance for the free-space optical signal and the high-GHz wireless signal, and based on the communication performance, selects between the free-space optical signal and the high-GHz wireless signal to provide the information. The communication system transfers the information to a second communication link based on the selection.

Abstract: An optical transmitter for converting and coupling an information-containing electrical signal with an optical fiber having an electrical input for coupling with an external electrical cable or information system device having a plurality of parallel data lines, a modulator for converting between an information-containing electrical signal on each data line and a multi-level digital pulse amplitude modulated signal corresponding to the binary electrical signal; and a signal timing circuit coupled to said modulator for aligning the data signal to a predetermined clock signal. The transmitter is preferably wavelength division multiplexed, using an electro-optical subassembly coupled to each respective timer circuit for converting between the information-containing electrical signal and a modulated optical signal corresponding to the electrical signal at a predetermined wavelength. The transceiver is preferably implemented in a pluggable standardized form factor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling cost-effective duplex communication by diplexing one of down stream signals for frequency up-conversion in a hybrid fiber-radio system includes diplexing an unmodulated mode signal among beating signals between a master laser and an injection-locked slave laser and using the diplexed signal for down-conversion in upstream transmission, thereby eliminating the need for expensive high-frequency local oscillators for frequency conversion. Higher radio frequency signals can be generated using beating between basic modes and satellite modes such as FWM conjugates of the master laser and slave laser. Cost-effective systems, stabilization of a light source and improved transmission performance may be achieved by using a diplexer instead of an expensive high-frequency local oscillator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and operation of a frequency selective electrooptic source. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the electrooptic source comprises an optical signal generator, optical circuitry, and at least one optical/electrical converter wherein the optical signal generator comprises a plurality of optical outputs characterized by distinct output frequencies and the optical circuitry is configured to permit the selection and combination of different ones of the distinct-frequency optical outputs to generate a modulated optical signal, which is converted to a millimeter or sub-millimeter wave. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An optical transmitter for converting and coupling an information-containing electrical signal with an optical fiber having an electrical input for coupling with an external electrical cable or information system device having a plurality of parallel data lines, a modulator for converting between an information-containing electrical signal on each data line and a multi-level digital pulse amplitude modulated signal corresponding to the binary electrical signal; and a signal timing circuit coupled to said modulator for aligning the data signal to a predetermined clock signal. The transmitter is preferably wavelength division multiplexed, using an electro-optical subassembly coupled to each respective timer circuit for converting between the information-containing electrical signal and a modulated optical signal corresponding to the electrical signal at a predetermined wavelength. The transceiver is preferably implemented in a pluggable standardized form factor.

Abstract: A system according to embodiments of the invention may comprise a first communication path that converts an optically-modulated source signal to a radio signal based on a detected degradation in a quality of a received optical signal, and a second communication path that converts a radio-modulated source signal to an optical signal based on a detected degradation in a quality of a received radio signal. The system may therefore adapt to diverse weather conditions to improve the reliability of a communication link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a WDM/SCM-PON and a media access control method for asymmetric packet communication in the same. In the WDM/SCM-PON, each SCM channel is classified and used as a link by adopting an SCM technique of subdividing a wavelength band of up/downstream data links between an OLT and ONTs into frequency bands, and the ONTs are formed so that a certain SCM channel is independently distributed not fixedly assigned. Accordingly, an inventory problem, which can be generated in WDM/SCM, is prevented before happens, asymmetric dynamic band allocation is performed, and asymmetric service of up/downstream transmission is supported. As a result, a band required for next generation service is dynamically provided, optical interference effect is minimized, and Ethernet compatibility is provided so that Ethernet service suitable for providing IP service can be accommodated.

Abstract: A PON and a method of transmitting data employing different upstream and downstream transmission protocols are disclosed. The PON includes: a plurality of ONTs; WDM filters; an OLT receiving and transmitting optical signals to and from the ONTs and a higher network; and an optical coupler. The ONT includes a first switching unit, a level transformer converting two level Ethernet signals into a three level data signals, a first code generator generating a specific CDMA codes that distinguish the ONT from another ONT, and a first multiplier performing a spread spectrum function with the CDMA codes. The OLT includes an optical receiver, a branching filter branching the upstream CDMA signals, a plurality of second code generators generating codes for despread, a plurality of second multipliers multiplying the received signals by the despread codes, and a plurality of data decider extracting data through correlation calculation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a broadcast/communication unified passive optical network system.

Abstract: This invention provides a new architecture for a communication system between head-ends and end-users which expands bandwidth and reliability of the communication system. A mux-node receives communication signals from a head-end and forwards the received communication signals to one or more mini-fiber nodes. The connection to the head-end is via a small number of optical fibers and the connections to each of the mini-fiber nodes may be via one or more optical fibers that may provide full duplex communication. The head-end may communicate with the mux-node using digital or digital and analog signals. The mini-fiber nodes may combine the signals received from the head-end with loop-back signals used for local media access control prior to forwarding the signals to the end-users. Upstream data are received by the mini-fiber nodes and transmitted to the mux-node.

Abstract: An all-optical packet gating and routing system, comprising: first optical divider having first input and a plurality of outputs for receiving optical packets at the first input and directing the packets to each of the plurality of outputs, the optical packets having encoded headers and payloads, and each of the plurality of outputs of the first divider includes a packet gate; the packet gate, comprising: second optical divider having second input and first and second outputs for receiving the optical packets at the second input and directing the packets to each of the first and second outputs; the first output includes a decoding device for decoding one of the encoded headers of one of the optical packets and to produces a pulse in response to one of the encoded headers propagating in the first output and a copier for producing a plurality of images of the pulse, and an AND gate having third and fourth inputs and a third output; and the AND gate receives the plurality of images of the pulse at the third inpu

Abstract: The invention provides a transceiver circuit for communication that enhances the operation frequency of a synchronous digital circuit up to the maximum frequency of a flip-flop and inhibits the occurrence of jitters. A clock signal synchronized with data at f1/n Hz is converted by a multiplier so that the signal has a frequency of “n” times so as to use the clock signal for triggering a flip-flop the operation frequency of which is f1 b/s in the synchronous digital circuit. The multiplier is arranged in the vicinity of the flip-flop triggered by the clock signal of f1 Hz so as to avoid the effect of the deterioration of the operation frequency by interconnect capacitance. The maximum operation frequency of the transceiver circuit determined based upon the operating frequency of the synchronous digital circuit can be enhanced up to the maximum operation frequency of the flip-flop.

Abstract: A method and system for processing calls in a telecommunications system using fiber extender loops providing a local micro network. Calls originating from subscribers within the local micro network to subscribers that are also provided service within the local micro network are processed and connected by a location base station within the local micro network.

Abstract: A packet switch router that processes downstream digital information to provide dedicated bandwidth to each subscriber destination on a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network. The router includes a network module that terminates a network connection, a switch that forwards data from the network module, and a channel module. The channel module includes a switch interface, a cell processing engine, one or more modulators, and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter network. The switch interface forwards packetized data from the switch to the cell processing engine. The cell processing engine organizes the packetized data into multiple data streams, encapsulates data in each stream into data cells, and multiplexes the data cells into a multiplexed cell stream. Each modulator is configured to modulate a multiplexed cell stream into an analog signal. The RF transmitter network up converts and combines a plurality of analog signals into a combined electrical signal for transmission.

Abstract: A system for optical communication forms a family of orthogonal optical codes modulated by a data stream. The orthogonal codes are formed by creating a stream of evenly spaced-apart pulses using a pulse spreader circuit and modulating the pulses in amplitude and/or phase to form a family of orthogonal optical code words, each representing a symbol. A spreader calibration circuit is used to ensure accurate timing and modulation. Each code word is further modulated by a predetermined number of data bits. The data modulation scheme splits a code word into H and V components, and further processes the components prior to modulation with data, followed by recombining with a polarization beam combiner. The data-modulated code word is then sent, along with others to receiver. The received signal is detected and demodulated with the help of a symbol synchronization unit which establishes the beginning and end of the code words.

Abstract: An optical signal transmitter is disclosed that transmits an optical signal with corresponding Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) channels and Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) channels. The transmitter is comprised of a laser, a dispersion system, and a modulator. The laser generates and transmits a narrow laser pulse comprised of a plurality of wavelength channels. The dispersion system broadens the narrow laser pulse into a wide laser pulse. The modulator modulates the wide laser pulse based on an electric modulation signal comprised of a plurality of time slot channels wherein the time slot channels in the electric modulation signal correspond to the wavelength channels in the wide laser pulse respectively. The modulator transfers a modulated wide laser pulse. Channels of the modulated wide laser pulse are hybrid wavelength and time slot channels. The transmitter singularly transmits a WDM optical signal comprised of multiple wavelength channels.

Abstract: A method of detecting switching subnodes in a monoblock wavelength division multiplex optical switching node, each subnode corresponding to a given level of granularity and to a given switching function. The method includes collecting information concerning how traffic is crossing an initial monoblock switching node, defining the granularity and switching function of the subnodes to be detected, considering each subnode successively in an order corresponding to reducing switching constraints and, for each subnode, selecting all or part of the traffic of an incoming granularity and an outgoing granularity that satisfy the switching constraints of the subnode concerned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receiver for receiving a time division multiplexed (TDM) optical signal, which is formed of a plurality of interleaved optical pulse streams. Each optical pulse stream includes a plurality of optical pulses. The receiver includes a detector for detecting at least a first optical pulse stream of the optical signal and an optical hybrid for coherently mixing the first optical pulse stream with a reference pulse stream. The first optical pulse stream and the reference pulse stream impinge simultaneously upon the detector.

Abstract: Architecture for efficient processing of the evolving OTN transmission technology, standardized under ITU-T G.709, in conjunction with existing and emerging SONET/SDH protocol signals, standardized under ANSI T1.105/ITU-T G.707. The new architecture allows processing the SONET/SDH signals, and/or OTN signals, and/or SONET/SDH mapped into OTN signals more efficiently. The architecture further allows processing and multiplexing of lower order signals into a higher order signal such as quad OC-192 into OC-768 or quad OC-192 into OPU3 and OTU3. This architecture uses an embedded processor to process some of the signals' overhead in software, contributing to an additional level of flexibility in the processing. This architecture enables customization and allowing for future standard updates and upgrades. The architecture can be upgraded to SONET OC-3072, SDH STM-1024 and OTU4, which currently are not standardized. The architecture can also be used for the implementation of SONET OC-192 with OTN OTU2.

Abstract: A system for optical communication send optical signals over a plurality of wavelength channels. Each wavelength channel comprises a number of orthogonal subchannel frequencies which are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined amount. Each of the subchannel frequencies is modulated with data from a data stream. The data modulation scheme splits a subchannel frequency code into H and V components, and further processes the components prior to modulation with data. The various data-modulated subchannels are then combined into a single channel for transmission. The received signals are detected and demodulated with the help of a symbol timing recovery module which establishes the beginning and end of each symbol. A polarization mode distortion compensation module at the receiver is used to mitigate the effects to polarization more distortion in the fiber.

Abstract: This invention provides a new architecture for a communication system between head-ends and end-users which expands bandwidth and reliability of the communication system. A mux-node receives communication signals from a head-end and forwards the received communication signals to one or more mini-fiber nodes. The connection to the head-end is via a small number of optical fibers and the connections to each of the mini-fiber nodes may be via one or more optical fibers that may provide full duplex communication. The head-end may communicate with the mux-node using digital or digital and analog signals. The mini-fiber nodes may combine the signals received from the head-end with loop-back signals used for local media access control prior to forwarding the signals to the end-users. Upstream data are received by the mini-fiber nodes and transmitted to the mux-node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an arbitrary UWB waveform are presented. An optical comb generator generates a serial stream of optical tones and an optical beating tone. A serial-to-parallel converter receives the serial tones and converts them into parallel optical tones. A spatial light modulator receives the parallel optical tones, and independently adjusts at least one of the phase and amplitude of each to generate the components of an arbitrary waveform. Next, each one of a plurality of optical-to-electrical converters receives a parallel optical tone and the selected optical beating tone, which are beat with the optical beating tone, producing electrical notes, representing differences between each parallel optical tones and the optical beating tone. Each antenna element is connected to receive an electrical note and to launch a signal based thereon, such that the launched signals are superimposed to the arbitrary waveform signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching data of different protocols through a network are described. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving data from a number of interfaces. Additionally, the method includes switching the data through a first switch fabric upon determining that the data is being processed as packet data. The switching of the data through the first switch fabric includes de-encapsulating a first number of protocol headers from the packet data. The switching of the data through the first switch fabric also includes encapsulating a second number of protocol headers from the packet data. Moreover, the method includes switching the data through a second switch fabric upon determining that the data is being processed as Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) traffic.

Abstract: At the transmitter end, route information is converted to allocated frequency mixes that are used to produce route signals by modulating a carrier signal. The route signals produced are placed in front of and/or after at least one data packet and are transmitted within an optical data packet stream. At the receiver end, the route information is evaluated in terms of the frequency mix used for the modulation and the data packets are switched using the route information obtained from the frequency mixes.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed for providing dedicated bandwidth to at least one subscriber location for transmitting to a common point of distribution via an HFC network. In an embodiment of the invention, the communication system includes a channel interface module and at least one gateway coupled across the HFC network. The channel interface module is located at the point of distribution and includes a transmitter that transmits a windowing signal via the HFC network.

Abstract: A wavelength access server (WAS) architecture provides aggregation of traffic streams of diverse data communication protocols as well as provision of wavelength resources in an optical transport network. The WAS provides functions such as service traffic adaptation, traffic aggregation and segmentation, traffic classification, optical inter-working and system management. In particular, system management includes aspects such as signaling, connection management, resource co-ordination, protection prioritization and access policy management.

Abstract: A broadband communication system in which a central office is connected to a high speed network utilizes various LMDS architectures of the present invention to expand network capabilities. For example, LMDS architectures may extend the reach of the existing land line network, and reduce the cost of network expansion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for multiplexing and demultiplexing optical signals. An interleaver having a modified Mach-Zehnder interferometer as a first stage is used as a wavelength division multiplexer. This first stage is combined with one or more cascaded stages, each having a beam splitter and an optical delay element. A light beam including a number of signals at different wavelengths is received. The beam is split such that approximately half of each signal is contained in one of two sub-beams. One of the two sub-beams passes through a delay element, which provides a phase shift. The two sub-beams are recombined and split again. Each wavelength adds constructively or destructively in the new sub-beams such that the signals are separated—some wavelengths are in one of the new sub-beams, some are in the other. One of these sub-beams is delayed, and the two are combined and split again, improving the separation.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing device is presented utilizing a polarization-based filter to separate odd and even wavelengths, or upper and lower channels of an input optical signal. The wavelength filter first converts the input signal to a predetermined polarization. A series of birefringent waveplates provide a polarization-dependent optical transmission function such that the polarized beam is decomposed into a first beam component carrying the first spectral band at a first polarization and a second beam component carrying the second spectral band at a second, orthogonal polarization. A beam displacer spatially separates the beam components into a pair of orthogonally-polarized beams. A quarter-wave plate converts these orthogonally-polarized beams into a pair of circularly-polarized beams, which are reflected by a mirror back along parallel optical paths through the quarter-wave plate, beam displacer, and waveplates.

Abstract: A high speed optical communication and data transfer network comprises fiber optic links interconnecting a plurality of hybrid electronic-optical switch devices, each hybrid switch circuit including an electronic switch, electronic switch controller and optical switch. The hybrid switch circuits and nodes on the periphery of the core network communicate amongst each other over a first dedicated wavelength. Optical signals on the first dedicated wavelength are converted to electronic signals which are monitored by the electronic controller in each hybrid switch circuit. Routing in the network is optimized by transmitting lower volume data traffic on the first dedicated wavelength which is typically slower due to optical/electronic signal conversions and which uses more resources. Higher capacity data transfers are achieved by transmitting data on an assigned carrier wavelength over an established flow path among the optical switches of multiple hybrid switch circuits.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for spatially routing an optical pulse (data pulse) of an electromagnetic radiation and containing a specific address temporal profile and possibly additional data. Routing generally involves a unit of active material that is programmed using one or more input beams or pulses of the electromagnetic radiation providing address (i.e., waveform-discriminating) and directional (i.e., pulse routing) information to the active material. During programming, a spatial-spectral grating is created by optical interference on or in the active material of the input pulses encoding the address and directional information pertinent to the data pulse.

Abstract: A connectionless packet network and an optical WDM network are interconnected by one or more optical interface modules (gateways) that include both optical to electrical interfaces, as well as a connection management module, or control element, that is arranged to control the OADM's and the configuration of lasers and port assignments within the gateways, such that a route through the optical network to a desired endpoint is selected. The OADM's can be programmed, (i.e., locally or remotely controlled by the control element) such that the wavelengths that can be added or dropped by an OADM can be changed, thereby allowing routes to be established through the optical network, from an originating gateway to a destination gateway. In addition, the optical interface modules can include a plurality tunable lasers that can be controlled such that routes can be established through the optical network without requiring changes to the routing table that associates particular endpoints with particular ports.

Abstract: A method and device for optical add/drop is disclosed. The add/drop splits an input signal into two portions. The first portion is optically filtered to remove the channels, leaving an unmodulated carrier which is modulated with the newly added information. The second portion is split again into the through channels and a channel to be dropped. The dropped channel is detected or terminated and the through channels are recombined with the newly added channel to form an output optical signal. If desired, multiple channels may be dropped at the add/drop node. A dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) optical communication system incorporating the add/drop node is also disclosed.