Patent ID: 7609970
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
1. A dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) optical communications network, comprising: a plurality of network nodes spaced apart from each other around the network, for bidirectionally carrying traffic signals between the network nodes only over a first set of carrier wavelengths based on 1550 nm, each network node being operative for adding traffic signals to, and dropping traffic signals from, the network only over the first set of carrier wavelengths based on 1550 nm; a remote node spaced between an adjacent pair of the network nodes, and including dual wavelength couplers for adding traffic signals to, and dropping traffic signals from, the adjacent pair of the network nodes only over a different second set of carrier wavelengths based on 1300 nm; and a plurality of transponders at the adjacent pair of the network nodes, for converting the traffic signals added by the couplers at the remote node from the different second set of carrier wavelengths based on 1300 nm to the first set of carrier wavelengths based on 1550 nm for transmission around the network, and for converting the traffic signals dropped by the couplers at the remote node from the first set of carrier wavelengths based on 1550 nm to the different second set of carrier wavelengths based on 1300 nm for removal from the network.