Patent ID: 6281998
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
A branching unit for a fiber optic network adapted to carry signals at a plurality of predetermined carrier wavelengths, comprising one or more inputs for receiving signals from one or more trunk fibers of the network and from one or more spur fibers for adding signals from one or more spur stations of the network, one or more outputs for outputting signals to one or more trunk fibers of the network and to one or more spur fibers for dropping signals to spur stations of the network, an add/drop multiplexer for adding signals to and dropping signals from the trunk fibers, and switching means adapted to provide a normal signal routing between designated inputs and designated outputs of the branching unit and to provide an alternative signal routing, such that in said alternative signal routing, no signals are routed to one or more designated outputs of the branching unit, those signals normally routed to said one or more designated outputs being routed to one or more other outputs of the branching unit.