Patent ID: 6426815
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
An optical communication apparatus, comprising:a first optical hub having first and second input ports, and first and second output ports, said first input port configured to receive a first plurality of optical signals, each at a respective one of a first plurality of wavelengths, said first output port being configured to output said first plurality of optical signals to a looped optical communication path, said second input port being configured to receive a second plurality of optical signals each at a respective one of said first plurality of wavelengths, and a third plurality of optical signals, each at a respective one of a second plurality of wavelengths, and said second output port being configured to output said third plurality of optical signals away from said looped optical communication path; and a second optical hub having first and second input ports and first and second output ports, said first input port being configured to receive a fourth plurality of optical signals from said looped optical communication path, each of said fourth plurality of optical signals being at a respective one of said second plurality of wavelengths, said second input port being configured to receive said second plurality of optical signals, said first output port being configured to output said fourth plurality of optical signals away from said looped optical communication path, and said second output port being configured to output said second and third pluralities of optical signals to said second input port of said first optical hub.