Patent ID: 6968130

Claim:
A network node circuit for use in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical networks to allow utilization of a wide optical communication band, the node circuit comprising: a band splitter having an input to receive a plurality of optical signals sent on a corresponding plurality of wavelengths of an optical communication band, and to separate a first plurality of the optical signals within a first wavelength range within an amplification band of the optical communication band from a second plurality of the optical signals within a second wavelength range outside the amplification band of the optical communication band; a cross-connect circuit having input ports to receive the first and second pluralities of the optical signals and to route the first and second pluralities of the optical signals over different protection paths through the cross-connect circuit to targeted output ports; and a band combiner coupled to the cross-connect circuit to receive the first and second pluralities of the optical signals, and to combine the first and second pluralities of the optical signals into an aggregate plurality of optical signals for transmission from the network node.