Patent ID: 7106927
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
1. An optical cross-connect apparatus for performing non-blocking optical cross-connection of n WDM input optical signals each containing m different wavelengths λ1 through λm, the apparatus comprising: n first wavelength converters for converting the m different wavelengths λ1 through λm contained in the WDM input optical signals into 2m wavelengths λ1 through λ2m; a first wavelength cross-connector for performing cross-connection according to wavelengths, the cross-connector including: n second wavelength converters for converting the 2m wavelengths contained in the optical signals cross-connected by the first wavelength cross-connector into 2m wavelengths; a second wavelength cross-connector for performing cross-connection according to wavelengths, the cross-connector including: n third wavelength converters for converting the 2m wavelengths λ1 through λ2m contained in the optical signals cross-connected by the second wavelength cross-connector into m wavelengths λ1 through λm and for sending the m wavelengths λ1 through λm.