Patent ID: 6396602
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
An optical switching unit for use in optical transmission systems, comprising an nÃ—m optical space switch (ORS) having n+m ports (P1A . . . PNA; P1B . . . PMB), with n=1, 2, 3, 4, . . . and m=2, 3, 4, . . . with at least one of the n+m ports for connecting a bidirectional communication line, characterized in that one of the n+m ports different than the port for connecting the bidirectional communication line is set aside for connecting a spare communication line, and further in that monitoring and control means (K1A, K1B, M1A, M1B, SE) are provided for monitoring whether or not light is entering the optical space switch (ORS) via the bidirectional communication line connected to one of the n+m ports (P1A, P1B), and, in response to determining a disruption in light entering the optical space switch (ORS) via the bidirectional communication line connected to one of the n+m ports, for autonomously controlling the position of the nÃ—m space switch (ORS) so as to switch to the spare communication line, the autonomous controlling being performed without cooperation with any other optical space switch or associated monitoring and control means.