Patent ID: 6509986
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: H04B,H04J

Abstract:
A communication node configured to be coupled to an optical communication path, said optical communication path carrying a plurality of optical signals, each of said plurality of optical signals being at a respective one of a plurality of wavelengths, said communication node comprising:an optical add/drop multiplexer having an input port configured to be coupled to said optical communication path and to receive said plurality of optical signals, and an output port configured to output one of said plurality of optical signals to an output optical communication path; an optical amplifier coupled to said output optical communication path; an optical receiver coupled to said output optical communication path, said optical receiver sensing light from said output optical communication path and generating an electrical signal in response thereto; and an optical attenuator coupled to said output optical communication path, said optical attenuator being configured such that said light has an intensity within a dynamic range of said optical receiver.