Abstract

Multichannel optical data links using optical-frequency-division-multiplex (OFDM) techniques need a new type of cross connect for bidirectional broadband traffic in future transparent optical networks. The OFDM channels are defined as limited windows on the optical-frequency axis. Within a channel the signals are transmitted transparently on optical carriers. Bit rate and modulation format are free within the given channel bandwidth. Optical transparency also includes routing of data signals between optical waveguides and optical carrier frequencies in the cross connects. At the input waveguides of an OFDM cross connect, broadband niodulated optical carriers are allocated in bundles. In the cross connect the individual signals are switched to arbitrary output waveguides and arbitrary optical carriers of an output bundle.

© 1994 Optical Society of America