Bell Communications Research, Inc.

Chong K Kim

Tony T Lee

Edward Arthurs

Matthew S Goodman

An optical switch for use in a fiber optic telecommunications network is disclosed. An important feature of the inventive switch is its multicast capability. The inventive switch utilizes two internal networks, an optical network for transmission and an electronic network for control. Illustratively, the transmission network is an optical star network which links the input ports and output ports of the invention switch. The electronic control network is in the form of a track of ring which surrounds the optical star and sequentially connects the input and output ports.

Multicast packet switching method

An optical switch for use in a fiber optic telecommunications network is disclosed. An important feature of the inventive switch is its multicast capability. The inventive switch utilizes two internal networks, an optical network for transmission and an electronic network for control. Illustratively, the transmission network is an optical star network which links the input ports and output ports of the inventive switch. The electronic control network is in the form of a track or ring which surrounds the optical star and sequentially connects the input and output ports.

Growing community of inventors

Livingston, NJ, United States of America

Chong K Kim