Patent ID: 6169616
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
An optical system for adding and dropping wavelengths in an optical network, the optical network including a first and second optical loop, the system comprising: means for providing a first optical signal on the first optical loop as a plurality of wavelengths, each wavelength residing on a separate path, wherein each of the plurality of wavelengths are provided in the optical domain, wherein the providing means comprises: means for compressing the first optical signal, means for amplifying the compressed first optical signal, means for separating the compressed and amplified first optical signal into the plurality of wavelengths such that each wavelength resides on a separate path, and means for equalizing the gain of each wavelength; means for reflecting any of the plurality of wavelengths; means for dropping any of the plurality of wavelengths from the first optical loop to the second optical loop and for adding corresponding wavelengths from the second optical loop into the first optical loop, such that the dropping and adding of the wavelengths occurs in the optical domain; and means for combining the reflected wavelengths and the added wavelengths into a second optical signal.