Patent ID: 6407838
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: G02B,H04J

Abstract:
An optical communications apparatus comprising: a module including(a) input/output port apparatus for receiving an optical wavelength from an optical communications network, and for sending an optical wavelength to be transmitted through said communications network; (b) add/drop port apparatus for outputting/dropping an optical wavelength from said network, and for inputting/adding a wavelength to be transmitted to said network; (c) filter apparatus including one or more filter assemblies, each said assembly having a channel filter with a reflective section for reflecting a particular wavelength and passing other wavelengths, and each said assembly having a positioning apparatus responsive to a first signal for positioning a particular said reflective section to reflect a wavelength received at said input/output port to said add/drop port, and for reflecting a wavelength input/added to said add/drop port for passage to said input/output port for transmission to said network; and (d) express port apparatus for transmitting wavelengths received through said input/output apparatus that are not reflected by said filter apparatus to said add/drop port apparatus.