Patent ID: 8331780
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
1. An optical packet switching apparatus comprising: a plurality of transmitters for transmitting optical packet signals having wavelengths; a multiplexer for multiplexing the optical packet signals transmitted by the plurality of transmitters; a packet scheduler controlling a timing at which each of the transmitters transmits the optical packet signal; and an assister controlling power of assist light in accordance with a signal from the packet scheduler and causing the assist light to be wavelength-multiplexed with the wavelength multiplexed light such that a total sum of power of the wavelength multiplexed light and the power of the assist light is held constant under a predetermined condition, wherein the packet scheduler controls a timing at which the assister transmits the assist light, in accordance with a timing of the wavelength multiplexed light, wherein the assister comprises: a light source for outputting the assist light; a second multiplexer for multiplexing the assist light output from the light source with the wavelength multiplexed light having been subjected to the wavelength multiplexing by the aforesaid multiplexer; and an assist light controller for controlling the power of the assist light output from the light source to power providing the constant total sum, further comprising a splitter for splitting part of the wavelength multiplexed light, which has been subjected to the wavelength multiplexing by the aforesaid multiplexer, in a stage upstream of the second multiplexer; and a monitor for monitoring power of the wavelength multiplexed light split by the splitter, wherein the assister controls the power of the assist light to power providing the constant total sum based on the power monitored by the monitor.