Patent ID: 6400477
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
An optical network comprising:a first optical cross-connect including a plurality of input ports and a first and second plurality of output ports; a plurality of working channel optical transmitters, each of said working channel optical transmitters including a signal input, and an optical signal output connected to an input port of said first optical cross-connect, each of said working channel optical transmitters having a unique wavelength; a protection channel optical transmitter including a signal input and an optical signal output connected to said first optical cross-connect; a second optical cross-connect including a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports; a first protection switch controller associated with said first optical cross-connect; a second protection switch controller associated with said second optical cross-connect; a plurality of working channel optical receivers, each of said working channel optical receivers including an optical signal input connected to an output port of said second optical cross-connect, and a signal output; a protection channel optical receiver including an optical signal input connected to an output port of said second optical cross-connect and a signal output; a first multiplexer connected to said first plurality of output ports of said first optical cross-connect; a second multiplexer connected to said second plurality of output ports of said first optical cross-connect, wherein one of said second plurality of output ports corresponds to said protection channel; a primary route connecting said first and second optical cross-connects, wherein said primary route is connected to said first multiplexer; and a secondary route connecting said first and second optical cross-connects, wherein said secondary route is connected to said second multiplexer.