Patent ID: 6978059
Filing Date: 2005-12-20
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for multiple-channel passive dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), the apparatus comprising: a housing for mounting in a front panel of a distribution frame in a switching office; circuitry contained inside the housing, the circuitry performing multiple-channel passive DWDM by receiving a plurality of inputs and providing one output and providing a non-intrusive monitoring port; a faceplate attached to the housing, the faceplate having a plurality of openings; and a plurality of connectors, wherein each connector resides in one of the plurality of openings in the faceplate, each connector having two ends, one end being connected to an input of the circuitry and another end accepting an input cable, wherein each of the plurality of inputs accepts one optical signal of a defined wavelength, where one of the inputs is for maintenance purposes and is associated with a maintenance wavelength different than the defined wavelengths used in the event of a failure of one of the defined wavelengths.