Patent ID: 7831148
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: H04B,H04J

Abstract:
1. An amplifier node for an optical network comprising: at least one input port receiving an incoming optical wavelength-multiplex signal; a pre-amplifier receiving the incoming optical wavelength-multiplex signal; a demultiplexer and a multiplexer merged into a single continuous, wavelength-selectively reflective structure configured to perform both demultiplexing and multiplexing functions, wherein the demultiplexer is configured to split the amplified incoming optical wavelength-multiplex signal at least into payload channels and a supervisory channel, and the multiplexer is configured to assemble the payload channels and the supervisory channel into an outgoing optical wavelength-multiplex signal, the continuous, wavelength-selectively reflective structure including: a dispersion compensator receiving the outgoing optical wavelength-multiplex signal; and a post-amplifier receiving a dispersion compensated outgoing optical wavelength-multiplex signal and transmitting an amplified dispersion compensated outgoing optical wavelength-multiplex signal; wherein the continuous, wavelength-selectively reflective structure is adapted to split off and to insert as the supervisory channel a wavelength, the attenuation of which between the input port and the amplifier is substantially the same in a pumped state and an unpumped state of the pre-amplifier and post-amplifier.