Nortel Networks Corporation

Frederick J Lalonde

Adrian Paul Sparks

Alan Glen Solheim

Peter David Roorda

John Gerald Gruber

Peter D Roorda

Alan T R Briggs

Douglas W Fisher

H D Wade Macleod

A system for hybrid electronic/photonic switching of traffic in a node of a communications network includes a plurality of interfaces; an electronic cross-connect (EXC); and a photonic cross-connect (PXC). Each interface is designed to translate a respective traffic stream between corresponding electronic and optical signals. The EXC selectively maps an electronic signal through a selected one of the interfaces, and the PXC selectively couples an optical signal between the selected interface and a selected one of at least two optical channels of the communications network.

Hybrid photonic/electronic switching in a multi-channel network

The integrated photonic switch can be used in all-optical networks. incoming multiplexed signals from a number of input fiber ports are separated into their component wavelengths. Individual wavelengths are switched within the switch fabric towards the desired output, and the wavelengths are then multiplexed into WDM signals directed to the appropriate output ports. The multiplexer and demultiplexer are diffraction grating devices, integrated with the switch fabric. The switch fabric includes two matrices of 3-D MEMS mirrors arranged in the same plane, or in two parallel planes. The optical path between the input ports, the demultiplexer and the input matrix is pre-set so that each wavelength is incident on a certain mirror. Similarly, the geometry of the output matrix, the multiplexer and the output ports determines uniquely the wavelengths on a certain port. However, the position of the mirrors may be adjusted with a control system, so that the path of a wavelength within the switch fabric is adjustable, so that a wavelength input on a port may output the switch on any port.

Integrated photonic switch

A bridge and roll method for doing an in-service switch (less than 50 ms) from one set of inputs and outputs on a primary photonic switch to another set of inputs and outputs on the same or a secondary photonic switch. The bridge and roll method facilitates maintenance, repairs and upgrades on the primary photonic switch. The bridge and roll method may be reversed in order to restore the original inputs and outputs on the primary photonic switch after maintenance, repairs or upgrades have been performed. The invention also provides a method for consolidating multiple wavelengths or multiple bands into single fibers.

System and method for bridge and roll in a photonic switch

An optical switch comprising two segments at least partially separated by a surface that is partially reflective and partially transmissive to the optical signals being switched, each segment having at least one optical input and at least one optical output, the segments being arranged such that an optical signal can be switched from said input to said output by reflection from said surface, with the optical signal that is generated by transmission through said surface being directed to an output of the other segment.

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Ottawa, Canada

Frederick J Lalonde