Optical cross-connect system using photonic switch matrices

Abstract

Transport networks with higher capacity and higher flexibility will be required in future intelligent broadband communication networks. Recent developments in optical transmission systems have already provided the required large transmission capacity. Photonic switching is expected to play a key role in increasing the capacity and flexibility.1–3 This paper explains an optical cross-connect system (OXC) using photonic switch matrices, which we have proposed for applying to high-capacity and flexible transport networks.4,5