The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 13, 1990
Filed:
Dec. 05, 1988
William B Gardner, Duluth, GA (US);
American Telephone and Telegraph Company, AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, NJ (US);
Abstract
Disclosed is a dense channel packing wavelength division multiplexed optical fiber communication system that is parsimonious in its cable length requirements and that does not require the presence of widely tunable lasers at the remote terminals. The system comprises a central station and N remote stations (N frequently greater than about 50) connected to the central station by optical fiber means that comprise a 'backbone' and l (1<l<N) fiber 'laterals'. Associated with each remote station RS.sub.i is a predetermined wavelength .lambda..sub.i, typically in the spectral region 1.25-1.6 .mu.m. The central station comprises means adapted for generating electromagnetic radiation of a multiplicity of distinct wavelengths including all .lambda..sub.i. The radiation from the central station is coupled into the backbone fiber and transmitted to the laterals and the remote stations. Each remote station RS.sub.i comprises means for selecting the radiation of the associated wavelength .lambda..sub.i from radiation that comprises a multiplicity of wavelengths, and means for detecting the radiation of wavelength .lambda..sub.i. Systems according to the invention can use coherent or direct detection, and advantageously are adapted for two-way signal traffic.