Patent ID: 6137608
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
An apparatus for multiplexing optical signals in an optical network comprising:a plurality of input fibers disposed to receive a plurality of optical input signals, each of the optical input signals being defined by a wavelength;a first converter disposed in series with each one of said input fibers, the first converter configured to convert the optical input signal received by the fiber into an electrical input signal wherein the electrical input signal is defined by a frequency that corresponds to the wavelength of the optical input signal;a second converter disposed in series with the first converter, the second converter configured to convert the electrical input signal into a plurality of optical signals of differing wavelengths at an output;a first optical switch having a plurality of switch inputs and a plurality of switch outputs and a plurality of optical fibers extending between the plurality of switch inputs and the outputs of the plurality of second converters, wherein each optical fiber carries the optical signals of differing wavelengths generated by the second converter, the optical switch being further configured to select one of the optical signals of differing wavelengths from each of the switch inputs and controllably direct that optical signal to any of the switch outputs.