JPH0879806A - Wavelength division type optical communication path - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To realize a wavelength division type optical communication path having a function of exchanging wavelength-multiplexed optical signals and a function of transmitting and receiving each signal channel, and further having a small circuit scale. [Configuration] N ₁ sequence of the N ₁ pieces of 1-input M-output optical demultiplexer optical signal is separated into M signal channels, the M signal channels N ₁ sequence of received destination or N ₂ sequence N ₁ M input (N ₁ + N ₂ ) output optical switches to be distributed first, and N ₂ M each of the N ₂ series of signal channels sent from the optical signal transmitter to N ₁ series output destinations M
Input N ₁ output optical switch and output of each optical switch N ₁
N ₁ (N ₁ + N ₂ ) input 1 output optical combiner to be merged for each output destination of the series, and M input (N ₁ + N ₂ ) output Optical switch output is combined for each N ₂ reception destination N ₂ pieces of N ₁ input 1 output optical combiners, N ₂ sequence of N ₂ pieces of one-input M-output optical demultiplexer for transmitting the optical signal receiving unit the optical signal is separated into M signal channels, respectively With.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wavelength division type optical communication path for exchanging wavelength multiplexed optical signals. In particular,
The present invention relates to a wavelength division type optical communication path having a transmission / reception function for an input / output optical highway.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of a conventional wavelength division type optical communication path. In addition, this configuration is Japanese Patent Application No.
Based on the configuration described in No. 210671, the case where the number of input / output optical highways N ₁ = 3 and the number of wavelength multiplexing M = 4 is shown. In addition, each signal channel is connected with the same wavelength.

In the figure, three input optical highways 10 are shown.
Optical signals of wavelengths λ _{1 to} λ ₄ are wavelength-multiplexed as signal channels in _{-1 to} 10-3, respectively. The optical signals input from the three input optical highways 10-1 to 10-3 are optical demultiplexers 12-corresponding to the respective input optical highways.
Optical signals (signal channels) of respective wavelengths are demultiplexed by 1 to 12-3 and input to the 4-input 3-output optical switches 13-1 to 13-3 corresponding to the respective input optical highways. In addition, in the drawing, 4 inputs and 3 outputs are described as 4 × 3 (same below). 4-input / 3-output optical switch 13-1 to 13-3
Respectively output the input signal channels to the output ports a, b, c corresponding to the output optical highways 11-1 to 11-3.
Sort into. At this time, 4-input / 3-output optical switch 15
Although there may be a plurality of signal channels heading for the same output optical highway at the outputs of -1 to 15-3, a plurality of optical signals of the same wavelength may be provided under the precondition that the signal channels are connected with the same wavelength. No signal is connected to the same output optical highway. 4-input 3-output optical switch 1
The optical signals output from the output ports a, b, and c of 3-1 to 13-3 are combined by the optical combiners 14-1 to 14-3 corresponding to the output optical highways, and output to the output optical highways. To be done.

4-input 3-output optical switch 13-1 to 13-
3 has a switching function between input and output and a wavelength multiplexing function, and for example, the optical matrix switch of Japanese Patent Application No. 5-238214 or the optical switch of Japanese Patent Application No. 6-6966 is used.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of a 4-input 3-output optical switch based on the optical matrix switch of Japanese Patent Application No. 5-238214. In the figure, twelve 1-input 2-output optical switches 23-11 to 23-13, ..., 23-41 to
23-43 are arranged on a 4 × 3 matrix,
The optical signals input from the input ports 21-1 to 21-4 are distributed to the output ports 22-1 to 22-3, and the optical signals output to the same output port are combined by the optical multiplexers 24-1 to 24-4. This is the configuration.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of a 4-input 4-output optical switch based on the optical switch of Japanese Patent Application No. 6-6966. When used as a 4-input / 3-output optical switch, one output port is left empty. This configuration is characterized in that the losses in each switching path are equal.

In the figure, input ports 21-1 to 21-
1-input 4-output optical switch 25-1 to 25-
4 are connected, the optical signals input from the respective input ports are distributed to the output ports 22-1 to 22-4, and the optical signals output to the same output port are multiplexed by the optical multiplexers 24-1 to 24-4. It is a composition. 1-input 4-output optical switch 25-1 to 2
5-4 are three 1-input 2-output optical switches 23, respectively.
, -11 to 23-13, ..., 23-41 to 23-43 are connected in a tree shape. Crosstalk can be reduced by providing an optical gate switch capable of controlling passage / blocking of an optical signal on each output line of the 1-input 4-output optical switches 25-1 to 25-4.

Here, an optical combiner can be used instead of the optical combiner 24. However, the optical multiplexer 24 is configured to couple an optical signal to one output port by utilizing a difference in reflection angle for each wavelength due to a grating,
It has a feature that insertion loss is smaller than that of an optical combiner using an optical coupler or the like. The optical demultiplexer 12 has the same configuration as the optical multiplexer 24.

[0009]

In the conventional wavelength division type optical communication path, the signal channels are wavelength-multiplexed and input from the respective input optical highways, the signal channels of the same wavelength are exchanged, and the respective output optical highways are input. Are wavelength-multiplexed and output.

On the other hand, when actually operating a wavelength division type optical communication path, a function of receiving a predetermined signal channel input from each input optical highway and transmitting a predetermined signal channel to each output optical highway Is required. However,
When a transmission / reception function is added to the wavelength division type optical communication path, it is necessary to devise to minimize the increase in circuit scale. An increase in the circuit scale causes an increase in optical signal loss, difficulty in mounting, and a decrease in manufacturing yield, and is a factor that limits expansion of the number of input / output optical highways and the number of input / output links (channels used for transmission / reception). Because.

An object of the present invention is to provide a wavelength division type optical communication path which has a function of exchanging wavelength-multiplexed optical signals and a function of transmitting and receiving each signal channel and has a small circuit scale.

[0012]

A wavelength division type optical communication path according to claim 1, wherein N ₁ 1 input M outputs for separating input N ₁ series optical signals into M signal channels respectively. An optical demultiplexer and N ₁ M-input (N ₁ + N ₂ ) output optical switches that distribute the separated M signal channels to either N _1- series output destinations or N ₂ -series reception destinations, N ₂ M inputs N ₁ output optical switches for allocating each of the N ₂ series M signal channels sent from the optical signal transmitter to one of the N ₁ series output destinations, and N ₁ M inputs ( N ₁ +
N ₂ ) Combine the outputs of the output optical switch and N ₂ M input N ₁ output optical switches for each output destination of the N ₁ series N
₁ (N ₁ + N ₂ ) input 1 output optical combiner and N ₁ M
Input (N ₁ + N ₂ ) output N ₂ N ₁ input 1 output optical combiners for combining the outputs of the optical switches for each N ₂ series receiver, and M ₂ for the combined N ₂ series optical signals. And N ₂ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexers for separating the signal channels and sending them to the optical signal receiving section.

The wavelength division type optical communication path according to claim 2 is
N ₁ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexer that separates the input N _1- series optical signals into M signal channels, respectively, and the separated M signal channels are output or received in the N _1- series N ₁ M inputs (N ₁ +1) distributed to any of the above
An output optical switch and N ₂ M input N ₁ output optical switches for allocating each of the M signal channels of the N ₂ series sent from the optical signal transmitting section to one of the output destinations of the N ₁ series;
N ₁ pieces of M inputs (N ₁ +1) output optical switches and _two N of M input N ₁ the output of the output optical switches N ₁ is merged into each series destination N ₁ pieces of (N ₁ + N ₂₎ Input and one output optical combiners, N ₁ where N ₁ pieces of M inputs (N ₁ +1) to receive output of the output optical switches respectively separated into M signal channels
One 1-input M-output optical demultiplexer and _one (N ₁ × M) distributed (N ₁ × M) signal channels to any of (N ₂ × M) receivers An input (N ₂ × M) output optical space switch.

The wavelength division type optical communication path according to claim 3 is
And N ₁ pieces of 1-input M-output optical demultiplexer for separating an optical signal of the input N ₁ sequence into M signal channels respectively, distributes each signal channel separated to the destination or recipient (N ₁ X M) 1-input 2-output optical switches, N ₁ M-input N _1- output optical switches that distribute each output signal channel to any of the N _1- series output destinations, and send from the optical signal transmitter Each of the M signal channels of the N ₂ sequence
The outputs of N ₂ M input N ₁ output optical switches, N ₁ M input N ₁ output optical switches and N ₂ M input N ₁ output optical switches, which are distributed to any one of the ₁ series output destinations, are output. N ₁ (N ₁ +) merges for each output destination of _one series
N ₂ ) input 1 output optical combiner and (N ₁ × M) 1 input 2
Of the N ₁ M input N ₂ output optical switches and the N ₁ M input N ₂ output optical switches, which distribute each reception signal channel distributed by the output optical switch to any one of the N ₂ series output destinations. and N ₂ pieces of N ₁ input 1 output optical combiners for combining the output for each recipient of N ₂ series, the merging of N ₂ series of optical signals to the optical signal receiving unit is separated into M signal channels, respectively And N ₂ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexers for transmission.

The wavelength division type optical communication path according to claim 4 is
And N ₁ pieces of 1-input M-output optical demultiplexer for separating an optical signal of the input N ₁ sequence into M signal channels respectively, each M signals of N ₂ sequences to be transmitted from the optical signal transmission unit and N ₂ pieces of M input N ₁ output optical switch for distributing to any destination of N ₁ series channel, the output of N ₂ pieces of M input N ₁ output optical switch merge into each output destination of N ₁ sequence , N ₁ N ₂ input M output optical multiplexers / demultiplexers for separating into M signal channels, N ₁ 1 input M output optical multiplexers and N ₁ N ₂ input M output optical multiplexers The signal channels separated by the demultiplexer are input in pairs, and (N ₁ × M) 2 2-input 2-output optical switches for switching the output destination and the reception destination for a predetermined signal channel and outputting, N ₁ M input N ₁ output optical switches that distribute each signal channel to _one of the N ₁ output destinations. And pitch, and N ₁ pieces of N ₁ input 1 output optical combiners for combining the output of the N ₁ pieces of M input N ₁ output optical switches for each output destination of N ₁ sequence, (N ₁
One (N ₁ × M) input (N ₂ ) for allocating each signal channel for reception distributed by (× M) 2 input / 2 output optical switches to any of (N ₂ × M) receivers. XM) output optical signal selector.

Further, in the wavelength division type optical communication path according to any one of claims 1 to 4, regeneration processing of each signal channel is performed for each output of N ₁ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexers (N ₁ x
It is also possible to connect M) regenerative repeating circuits (claim 5).

Further, in the wavelength division type optical communication path according to any one of claims 1 to 3, N ₁ (N ₁ + N ₂ ) input / one output optical combiners are provided as outputs, and M signal channels are provided respectively. N ₁ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexers to be separated, (N ₁ × M) regenerative repeater circuits for regenerating each separated signal channel, and M regenerated signal channels are combined. Wave N
It may be connected and _one of M input 1 output optical multiplexer (claim 6).

Further, in the wavelength division type optical communication path according to claim 4, the output of the N ₁ pieces of N ₁ input 1 output optical combiners, N ₁ pieces of 1 to separate into M signal channels, respectively
An input M output optical demultiplexer, (N ₁ × M) regenerative repeater circuits for regenerating each of the separated signal channels, and N ₁ M for multiplexing M regenerated signal channels. An input / output optical multiplexer may be connected (claim 7).

[0019]

In the wavelength division type optical communication path according to claim 1, N ₁ series of optical signals input by wavelength division multiplexing are separated into respective signal channels, and then N ₁ M inputs (N ₁ + N ₂ ) are input. The output optical switch is used to distribute to N ₁ series output destinations or N ₂ series reception destinations. On the other hand, the N ₂ series optical signals to be transmitted are distributed to the N ₁ series output destinations for each signal channel. The signal channels assigned to the output destinations of the N ₁ series are joined for each output destination, and the signal channels assigned to the destinations of the N ₂ series are joined for each series. As a result, the switching of the signal channel between the input and output and the switching of the receiving signal channel and the transmitting signal channel can be performed at the same time. It should be noted that the optical signals merged for each N ₂ -series receiving destination are separated and received by each signal channel.

In the optical switch of the wavelength division type optical communication path according to the second aspect, the signal channels for reception are collectively distributed regardless of the series. As a result, N ₁ optical switches can be handled with an M input (N ₁ +1) output configuration, and the circuit scale can be reduced by reducing the number of output ports. In addition,
The optical signal distributed for reception from this optical switch is separated into each signal channel, and input (N ₁ × M) (N ₂ × M)
The output optical space switch distributes the light to any of (N ₂ × M) receivers.

In the optical switch of the wavelength division type optical communication path according to a third aspect of the present invention, an N ₁ series optical signal input by wavelength division multiplexing is separated into each signal channel, and then a 1-input 2-output optical switch is used. Sort to output destination or destination. This makes it possible to reduce the loss of the received signal channel. Further, since it is not necessary to distribute the output destination and the reception destination in the N ₁ optical switches, the M input N ₁ output configuration can be used, and the circuit scale can be reduced by reducing the number of output ports. It should be noted that the signal channels distributed for reception from the 1-input 2-output optical switch are merged into N ₂ series, and then separated into signal channels for each series and received.

In the optical switch of the wavelength division type optical communication path according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an N ₁ series optical signal input by wavelength division multiplexing is separated into respective signal channels and then a 2-input 2-output optical switch is used. Sort to output destination or destination. A signal channel to be transmitted is distributed to each of the output destination streams and input to one of the inputs. Here, the signal channel to be received and the signal channel to be transmitted can be switched at the same time. As a result, the optical combiner on the output side can handle the N ₁ input configuration, so that (N ₁
It is possible to reduce the loss of the optical signal as compared with the + N ₂ ) input configuration.

Further, by using the regeneration relay circuit,
Each input / output signal channel can be reproduced.

[0024]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the number of input / output optical highways N ₁ = 3, the number of wavelength multiplexing M = 4, and the number of input / output links N ₂ × M = 8. Here, N ₂ is an integer equal to or less than the number of input / output optical highways N ₁ . In addition, each signal channel is connected with the same wavelength.

In the figure, three input optical highways 10 are shown.
-1 to 10-3 each have a maximum of 4 waves (wavelengths λ ₁ to
The optical signal of λ ₄ ) is wavelength-multiplexed as a signal channel. The wavelength of the multiplexed optical signal is predetermined when the network is designed. The optical signals input from the respective input optical highways are separated into optical signals (signal channels) of respective wavelengths by the corresponding optical demultiplexers 12-1 to 12-3, and 4 inputs 5 corresponding to the respective input optical highways Output optical switch 31-1 ~
31-3 is input. 4-input-5-output optical switch 31-
1 to 31-3 distribute the input signal channels to the output ports a, b and c corresponding to the output optical highways 11-1 to 11-3 or the output ports d and e corresponding to the optical signal receiving unit 33. . 4-input-5-output optical switch 31
The optical signals output from the output ports a, b, and c of −1 to 31-3 are combined by the optical combiners 32-1 to 32-3 corresponding to the output optical highways, and output to the output optical highways. It

On the other hand, each of the eight input links 35 connected to the optical signal transmitter 34 has one signal channel of a predetermined wavelength determined at the time of network design so as not to have the same wavelength on each output optical highway. Are input to the four-input and three-output optical switches 36-1 and 36-2 every four.
The 4-input 3-output optical switches 36-1, 36-2 output the input signal channels to the output optical highway 11-1.
To output ports a, b, and c corresponding to 11-3. The outputs are combined by the optical combiners 32-1 to 32-3 and output to each output optical highway. This transmission signal channel is a 4-input 5-output optical switch 31-1 to 3-3.
The reception signal channels assigned to the output ports d and e of 1-3 are replaced.

It should be noted that the 4-input 5-output optical switch 31-1 to 31-
31-3 and 4 input / 3 output optical switches 36-1, 36
-There may be a plurality of signal channels going to the same output optical highway at the output of -2, but a plurality of optical signals of the same wavelength are the same because of the precondition that the signal channels are connected with the same wavelength. It is never connected to the output optical highway.

4-input 5-output optical switch 31-1 to 31-31
The optical signals output from the three output ports d and e are combined by the optical combiners 37-1 and 37-2 corresponding to the output ports. Since the optical signals output from the optical multiplexers 37-1 and 37-2 are optical signals in which a maximum of four wavelengths are multiplexed, the wavelengths of the optical demultiplexers 38-1 and 38-2 are different for each wavelength. And is received by the optical signal receiving section 33 via the eight output links 39.

In this configuration, there are 12 channels in total in the three input / output optical highways, but a maximum of 8 channels can be transmitted / received via the input / output links 35, 39. This indicates that the signal channels of the same wavelength can be transmitted / received to / from two of the three input / output optical highways.

With such a configuration, the optical signals input from the three input optical highways 10-1 to 10-3 are switched between the signal channels of the same wavelength, and the three output optical highways 11-1. 11-3 can be wavelength-multiplexed and output. Further, a predetermined signal channel of each input optical highway can be received by the optical signal receiving unit 33, and a signal channel to be replaced with it can be sent from the optical signal transmitting unit 34 to a predetermined output optical highway.

The 4-input 5-output optical switch 31-1 to 31-
31-3 and 4 input / 3 output optical switches 36-1, 36
-2 can be manufactured based on the construction method of the optical matrix switch shown in FIG. 10 or the optical switch shown in FIG. However, in the case of manufacturing a 4-input 5-output optical switch by the optical switch configuration method shown in FIG. 11, instead of the 1-input 4-output optical switch 25, 7 1-input 2-output optical switches are used. An input 8-output optical switch is used.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention. The conditions are the first
Same as the example.

In the figure, three input optical highways 10 are shown.
-1 to 10-3 each have a maximum of 4 waves (wavelengths λ ₁ to
The optical signal of λ ₄ ) is wavelength-multiplexed as a signal channel. An optical signal input from each input optical highway is separated into optical signals (signal channels) of respective wavelengths by the corresponding optical demultiplexers 12-1 to 12-3, and 4 inputs 4 corresponding to each input optical highway. Output optical switches 41-1 to 41-3
Is input to 4-input 4-output optical switch 41-1 to 41
-3 designates the input signal channels as output ports a corresponding to the output optical highways 11-1 to 11-3,
b, c or an output port d corresponding to the optical signal receiver 33
Sort into. 4-input 4-output optical switch 41-1 to 41
The optical signals output from the output ports a, b and c of -3 are
Optical coupler 32-1 corresponding to each output optical highway
.. 32-3 are merged and output to each output optical highway.

On the other hand, the signal channels of the eight input links 35 connected to the optical signal transmission section 34 are input to the four-input, three-output optical switches 36-1, 36-2 for every four. Four
The input 3 output optical switches 36-1 and 36-2 output the input signal channels to the output optical highways 11-1 to 11-2, respectively.
11-3 are assigned to output ports a, b, and c. The outputs are combined by the optical combiners 32-1 to 32-3 and output to each output optical highway.

4-input 4-output optical switch 41-1 to 41-
Since the optical signals output from the output port d of 3 are optical signals in which a maximum of 4 wavelengths are multiplexed, the optical demultiplexer 4
2-1 to 42-3 separate each signal channel
It is input to the 12-input 8-output optical space switch 43. Up to 8 channels are input to the 12-input 8-output optical space switch 43. Each signal channel is output from the 12-input 8-output optical space switch 43 to one of the eight output links 39,
The signal is received by the optical signal receiver 33. The 12-input 8-output optical space switch 43 has only a switching function between input and output, and is a 4-input 4-output optical switch 41 or a 4-input 3-output optical switch 36 having a switching function between input and output and a wavelength multiplexing function. Making a distinction.

With such a configuration, the same signal channel exchange, transmission and reception as in the first embodiment can be performed. Furthermore, since the 4-input 5-output optical switch 31 becomes the 4-input 4-output optical switch 41, the circuit scale can be reduced.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention. The conditions are the first
Same as the example.

In the figure, three input optical highways 10 are shown.
-1 to 10-3 each have a maximum of 4 waves (wavelengths λ ₁ to
The optical signal of λ ₄ ) is wavelength-multiplexed as a signal channel. The optical signal input from each input optical highway is separated into optical signals (signal channels) of respective wavelengths by the corresponding optical demultiplexers 12-1 to 12-3, and the 1-input 2-output optical switch 51-1 is respectively provided. ~ 51-12 are input. The 1-input 2-output optical switches 51-1 to 51-12 output the optical highway 1 for the respective input signal channels.
The signal channels to be sent to 1-1 to 11-3 are assigned to the output port a, and the signal channels to be sent to the optical signal receiver 33 are assigned to the output port b. 1 input 2 output optical switch 5
The signal channels output from the output ports a of 1-1 to 51-12 are 4 inputs 3 corresponding to each input optical highway.
It is input to the output optical switches 13-1 to 13-3. The 4-input / 3-output optical switches 13-1 to 13-3 output the input signal channels to the output optical highways 11-1 to 11-1.
Allocate to output ports a, b, and c corresponding to 1-3.
The optical signals output from the output ports a, b, and c of the 4-input 3-output optical switches 13-1 to 13-3 are combined by the optical combiners 32-1 to 32-3 corresponding to the output optical highways, Output to each output optical highway.

On the other hand, each signal channel of the eight input links 35 connected to the optical signal transmitter 34 is input to the four-input / three-output optical switches 36-1 and 36-2 for every four. Four
The input 3 output optical switches 36-1 and 36-2 output the input signal channels to the output optical highways 11-1 to 11-2, respectively.
11-3 are assigned to output ports a, b, and c. The outputs are combined by the optical combiners 32-1 to 32-3 and output to each output optical highway.

1-input 2-output optical switches 51-1 to 51-
The signal channels output from the 12 output ports b are
The signals are input to the 4-input 2-output optical switches 52-1 to 52-3 corresponding to the respective input optical highways. The 4-input 2-output optical switches 52-1 to 52-3 distribute the input signal channels into two series. The optical signal of each series is the first
The optical signals are the same as those output from the output ports d and e of the 4-input 5-output optical switches 31-1 to 31-3 of the embodiment, and are combined by the optical combiners 37-1 and 37-2. Since the optical signals output from the optical multiplexers 37-1 and 37-2 are optical signals in which a maximum of four wavelengths are multiplexed, the wavelengths of the optical demultiplexers 38-1 and 38-2 are different for each wavelength. And is received by the optical signal receiving section 33 via the eight output links 39.

With such a configuration, the same signal channel exchange, transmission and reception as in the first and second embodiments can be performed. Furthermore, since the reception signal channel is separated by the 1-input 2-output optical switches 51-1 to 51-12, the loss can be reduced.

The 4-input 2-output optical switches 52-1 to 52-2 are also provided.
52-3, optical combiners 37-1, 37-2, optical demultiplexer 38
-1, 38-2 perform the same function as the 12-input 8-output optical space switch 43 shown in the second embodiment, but flexibly cope with the expansion of the number of input / output optical highways and the number of input / output links. There is a feature that can be.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The conditions are the first
Same as the example.

In the figure, three input optical highways 10 are shown.
-1 to 10-3 each have a maximum of 4 waves (wavelengths λ ₁ to
The optical signal of λ ₄ ) is wavelength-multiplexed as a signal channel. The optical signals input from the respective input optical highways are separated into optical signals (signal channels) of respective wavelengths by the corresponding optical demultiplexers 12-1 to 12-3, and the 2-input 2-output optical switches 61-1 are respectively provided. ~ 61-12 are input. The 2-input 2-output optical switches 61-1 to 61-12 output the optical highway 1 for the respective input signal channels.
The signal channels to be sent to 1-1 to 11-3 are assigned to the output port a, and the signal channels to be sent to the optical signal receiver 33 are assigned to the output port b. 2-input 2-output optical switch 6
The signal channels output from the output ports a of 1-1 to 61-12 are 4 inputs 3 corresponding to each input optical highway.
It is input to the output optical switches 13-1 to 13-3. The 4-input / 3-output optical switches 13-1 to 13-3 output the input signal channels to the output optical highways 11-1 to 11-1.
Allocate to output ports a, b, and c corresponding to 1-3.
The optical signals output from the output ports a, b, and c of the 4-input 3-output optical switches 13-1 to 13-3 are combined by the optical combiners 14-1 to 14-3 corresponding to the output optical highways, Output to each output optical highway.

2-input 2-output optical switch 61-1 to 61-
The signal channels output from the 12 output ports b are
It is input to the optical signal selector 60 having a 12-input and 8-output configuration. The optical signal selector 60 is the 12-input 8-output optical space switch 43 used in the second embodiment or the three 4-input 2-output optical switches 52-1 to 52-3 and 2 used in the third embodiment. Optical multiplexers 37-1, 37-2, two optical demultiplexers 38-1,
38-2. Also, three 4-input 8-output optical merging / distributing devices, eight 3-input 1-output optical switches for selecting one of the 3-outputs output from each, and passing only a predetermined signal channel from the output. It is also possible to configure with eight variable wavelength filters. The output of the optical signal selector 60 is received by the optical signal receiving unit 33 via the eight output links 39.

On the other hand, each signal channel of the eight input links 35 connected to the optical signal transmitter 34 is input to the four-input / three-output optical switches 36-1 and 36-2 for every four. Four
The input 3 output optical switches 36-1 and 36-2 output the input signal channels to the output optical highways 11-1 to 11-2, respectively.
11-3 are assigned to output ports a, b, and c. The output is an optical combiner 62 corresponding to each output port.
The optical demultiplexers 63-1 to 6-3
The wavelengths are separated by 63-3 for each wavelength, and are input to the 2-input 2-output optical switches 61-1 to 61-12, respectively.

2-input 2-output optical switch 61-1 to 61-
In 12, the transmission signal channels input from the optical demultiplexers 63-1 to 63-3 are output to the output port a in place of the reception signal channels output to the output port b. That is, in the 2-input 2-output optical switches 61-1 to 61-12, the transmission / reception signal channels are switched at the same time.

With such a configuration, the first to third embodiments
The exchange function and the transmission / reception function similar to those of the embodiment are realized. Further, since the reception signal channel is separated by the 2-input 2-output optical switches 61-1 to 61-12, the loss can be reduced. Also, a 2-input 2-output optical switch 6
By using 1-1 to 61-12, the 3-input optical combiners 14-1 to 14-3 can be used, so that the loss of the optical signal sent to the output optical highways 11-1 to 11-3 can be reduced. can do.

(Modifications of Each Embodiment) In the wavelength division type optical communication path described above, three input optical highways 10-1 to 10-1 are used.
The optical signals input from 0-3 are switched between the signal channels of the same wavelength, and are wavelength-multiplexed to the three output optical highways 11-1 to 11-3 and output. Here, when the intensity of the input / output optical signal is low, a regenerative repeater circuit is provided for each signal channel to perform optical signal amplification, wavelength shaping, and other processing.

5 to 8 show connection examples of the regenerative repeater circuits in the first to fourth embodiments. However, a part of the wavelength division type optical communication path of each embodiment is shown. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), between the optical demultiplexer 12-1 and the 4-input 5-output optical switch 31-1, the regenerative repeater circuits 71-1 to 71-1 corresponding to the respective signal channels are provided. 71-4 is arranged. Between the optical demultiplexer 12-2 and the 4-input / 5-output optical switch 31-2, between the optical demultiplexer 12-3 and the 4-input / 5-output optical switch 31-
The same applies to the case of 3 and 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the optical combiner 32-1 and the output optical highway 11-1.
, An optical demultiplexer 72 for separating each signal channel, regenerative repeater circuits 71-1 to 71-4 corresponding to each signal channel,
An optical multiplexer 73 that multiplexes each signal channel and outputs to the output optical highway is arranged. The same applies between the optical combiner 32-2 and the output optical highway 11-2 and between the optical combiner 32-3 and the output optical highway 11-3.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 (a),
Between the optical demultiplexer 12-1 and the 4-input 4-output optical switch 41-1, the regenerative repeater circuits 71-1 to 71-1 corresponding to each signal channel are provided.
71-4 is arranged. The same applies between the optical demultiplexer 12-2 and the 4-input 4-output optical switch 41-2 and between the optical demultiplexer 12-3 and the 4-input 4-output optical switch 41-3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the optical combiner 3
An optical demultiplexer 72 for separating each signal channel, regenerative repeater circuits 71-1 to 71-4 corresponding to each signal channel, and each signal channel are multiplexed between the 2-1 and the output optical highway 11-1. And an optical multiplexer 73 for outputting to the output optical highway. The same applies between the optical combiner 32-2 and the output optical highway 11-2 and between the optical combiner 32-3 and the output optical highway 11-3.

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 (a),
Optical demultiplexer 12-1 and 1-input 2-output optical switch 51-1 to
Reproduction relay circuits 71-1 to 71-4 corresponding to the respective signal channels are arranged between the signal relay circuit 51-1 and 51-4. Optical demultiplexers 12-2 and 1
Between the input / output optical switches 51-5 to 51-8, the optical demultiplexer 12-3 and the input / output optical switches 51-9 to 51-5.
The same applies to the case of -12.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the optical combiner 3
An optical demultiplexer 72 for separating each signal channel, regenerative repeater circuits 71-1 to 71-4 corresponding to each signal channel, and each signal channel are multiplexed between the 2-1 and the output optical highway 11-1. And an optical multiplexer 73 for outputting to the output optical highway. The same applies between the optical combiner 32-2 and the output optical highway 11-2 and between the optical combiner 32-3 and the output optical highway 11-3.

In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Optical demultiplexer 12-1 and 2-input 2-output optical switch 61-1
The reproduction relay circuits 71-1 to 71-4 corresponding to the respective signal channels are arranged between the reproduction relay circuits 61-1 and 61-4. Optical demultiplexers 12-2 and 2
An optical demultiplexer 12-3 and 2-input 2-output optical switches 61-9-61 are provided between the input 2-output optical switches 61-5-61-8.
The same applies to the case of -12.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the optical combiner 1
An optical demultiplexer 72 for separating each signal channel, regenerative repeater circuits 71-1 to 71-4 corresponding to each signal channel, and each signal channel are multiplexed between 4-1 and the output optical highway 11-1. And an optical multiplexer 73 for outputting to the output optical highway. The same applies between the optical combiner 14-2 and the output optical highway 11-2 and between the optical combiner 14-3 and the output optical highway 11-3.

[0057]

As described above, in the wavelength division type optical communication path of the present invention, the switching of the signal channel between the input and output of a plurality of series and the switching of the receiving signal channel and the transmitting signal channel are simultaneously performed. You can

In addition, the optical switch having the wavelength multiplexing function has the number of input / output sequences (the number of input / output optical highways) N ₁ , the number of wavelength multiplexing M, the number of transmission / reception sequences N ₂ (the number of input / output links N ₂ ×
The circuit scale increases according to M), but according to the structure of each claim, M input (N ₁ + N ₂ ) output, M input (N ₁ +1) output, M input N ₁ output, and the number of output ports sequentially Can be reduced to reduce the circuit scale. By reducing the circuit scale, increase in optical signal loss, difficulty in mounting, and reduction in manufacturing yield can be avoided, and system expansion can be flexibly dealt with.

Further, by using the 1-input 2-output optical switch or the 2-input 2-output optical switch to distribute to the output destination or the receiving destination, the loss of the signal channel to be received can be reduced.

Further, in the configuration using the 2-input 2-output optical switch (Claim 4), since the optical combiner on the output side can support the N ₁ input configuration, the configuration of the (N ₁ + N ₂ ) input configuration (Claim ₄ ) The loss of the optical signal can be reduced as compared with items 1 to 3). Specifically, the former principle loss is log ₁₀ N ₁ [d
B], the latter principle loss is log ₁₀ (N ₁ + N ₂ ) [dB].

By reproducing each input / output signal channel by using the regenerative repeater circuit, the present invention can be applied to a large-scale system in which the wavelength division type optical communication paths of the present invention are connected in multiple stages. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a connection example of a regeneration relay circuit in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a connection example of a regeneration relay circuit in a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a connection example of a regeneration relay circuit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a connection example of a regeneration relay circuit in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional wavelength division type optical communication path.

FIG. 10 is a configuration example of a 4-input 3-output optical switch (Japanese Patent Application No.
238214).

FIG. 11 is a configuration example of a 4-input 4-output optical switch (Japanese Patent Application No.
6966).

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 input optical highway 11 output optical highway 12 optical demultiplexer 13 4 input 3 output optical switch 14 optical combiner (3 inputs) 21 input port 22 output port 23 1 input 2 output optical switch 24 optical multiplexer 25 1 input 4 output Optical switch 31 4 input 5 output optical switch 32 Optical multiplexer (5 inputs) 33 Optical signal receiver 34 Optical signal transmitter 35 Input link 36 4 input 3 output Optical switch 37 Optical combiner (3 inputs) 38 Optical demultiplexer 39 output link 41 4 input 4 output optical switch 42 optical demultiplexer 43 12 input 8 output optical spatial switch 51 1 input 2 output optical switch 52 4 input 2 output optical switch 60 optical signal selector 61 2 input 2 output optical switch 62 Optical multiplexer (2 inputs) 63 Optical demultiplexer 71 Regenerative repeater circuit 72 Optical demultiplexer 73 Optical multiplexer

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location H04J 14/02 H04B 10/02

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An N ₁ -series optical signal in which M wavelengths are wavelength-multiplexed as signal channels is input, the signal channels are exchanged, and M wavelengths are respectively wavelength-multiplexed N ₁ as signal channels. In a wavelength division type optical communication path that outputs a series of optical signals, N ₁ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexers that separate the input N ₁ series optical signals into M signal channels are separated. the M signal channels N ₁ sequence of destination or distributed to any recipient of the N ₂ sequence N ₁ pieces of M was
An input (N ₁ + N ₂ ) output optical switch and N ₂ that distributes each of the M signal channels of the N ₂ series sent from the optical signal transmitter to one of the output destinations of the N ₁ series
Outputs of the M input N ₁ output optical switches, the N ₁ M input (N ₁ + N ₂ ) output optical switches and the N ₂ M input N ₁ output optical switches for each output destination of the N ₁ series. The N ₁ (N ₁ + N ₂ ) input / one-output optical combiners to be combined and the N ₁ M input (N ₁ + N ₂ ) output optical switch outputs to be combined for each N ₂ -series receiver N _two N ₁ input 1 output optical combiners, and merging the N ₂ series optical signal is separated into M signal channels respectively transmitted to the optical signal receiving unit N ₂ pieces of one-input M
A wavelength division type optical communication path comprising an output optical demultiplexer. 2. An N ₁ -series optical signal, in which M wavelengths are wavelength-multiplexed as signal channels, is input, the signal channels are exchanged, and M wavelengths are wavelength-multiplexed as signal channels N _{1 respectively.} In a wavelength division type optical communication path that outputs a series of optical signals, N ₁ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexers that separate the input N ₁ series optical signals into M signal channels are separated. N ₁ M inputs (N ₁ ) that distribute the M signal channels to either N ₁ series output destinations or reception destinations.
+1) Output optical switch and N ₂ that distributes each of the M signal channels of the N ₂ series sent from the optical signal transmitter to one of the output destinations of the N ₁ series
N M-input N ₁ output optical switches, N ₁ M-input (N ₁ +1) output optical switches and N
And _two M inputs N ₁ output optical switch outputs N ₁ pieces of which merge into each output destination of N ₁ sequence of (N ₁ + N ₂₎ inputs and one output optical combiners, wherein N ₁ pieces of M input (N _{1 1} +1) N ₁ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexers for separating the receiving outputs of the output optical switches into M signal channels and (N ₁ × M) separated signal channels (N ₁ × M) A wavelength division type optical communication path provided with one (N ₁ × M) input (N ₂ × M) output optical space switch that is distributed to any of ₂ × M) receivers. 3. An N ₁ -series optical signal in which M wavelengths are wavelength-multiplexed as signal channels is input, the signal channels are switched, and M wavelengths are respectively wavelength-multiplexed N ₁ as signal channels. In a wavelength division type optical communication path that outputs a series of optical signals, N ₁ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexers that separate the input N ₁ series optical signals into M signal channels are separated. distributed to the destination or receiver each signal channel has (N ₁ × M) and one input and two output optical switch of pieces, each signal channel for output N ₁ sequence output destination of any to distribute N ₁ pieces of N input N ₁ output optical switch, and N ₂ series M 2 signal channels sent from the optical signal transmitter are distributed to any of the N ₁ series output destinations N ₂
N ₁ M ₁ N ₁ output optical switches, N ₁ M ₁ input N ₁ output optical switches and N ₂ M ₁ N ₁ output optical switches are merged for each output destination of the N ₁ series N ₁ Each of the (N ₁ + N ₂ ) input / output optical multiplexers and the (N ₁ × M) 1-input / 2-output optical switches are used to select each of the signal channels for reception as an output destination of the N ₂ series. N ₁ M input N ₂ output optical switches that are distributed to each other, and N ₂ N ₁ input 1 outputs that merge the outputs of the N ₁ M input N ₂ output optical switches for each N ₂ receiver. The optical multiplexer and the N ₂ 1-input M that separates the combined N ₂ -series optical signals into M signal channels and sends them to the optical signal receiving unit
A wavelength division type optical communication path comprising an output optical demultiplexer. 4. An N ₁ -series optical signal in which M wavelengths are wavelength-multiplexed as signal channels is input, the signal channels are exchanged, and M wavelengths are respectively N ₁ wavelength-multiplexed as signal channels. in wavelength division type optical communication path for outputting an optical signal sequence, and N ₁ pieces of 1-input M-output optical demultiplexer for separating the optical signal of the input N ₁ sequence into M signal channels respectively, the optical signal The N ₂ series of M signal channels sent from the transmitter are distributed to any of the N ₁ series output destinations N ₂
And number of M input N ₁ output optical switch, the output of the N ₂ pieces of M input N ₁ output optical switch merge into each output destination of N ₁ sequence, N ₁ pieces of separating into M signal channels, respectively An N ₂ input M output optical multiplexer / demultiplexer, a pair of signal channels separated by the N ₁ 1 input M output optical multiplexers and the N ₁ N ₂ input M output optical multiplexers / demultiplexers, respectively. , And the output destination and the reception destination are exchanged for a predetermined signal channel and output (N ₁ × M) 2
Input 2 output optical switch, N ₁ M input N ₁ output optical switch for allocating each output signal channel to any _one of N ₁ series output destinations, and said N ₁ M input N ₁ output optical switch N ₁ N ₁ input 1 output optical combiners for merging the output of N ₁ for each output destination of the N ₁ series, and each of the (N ₁ × M) 2 input 2 output optical switches for reception. One (N ₁ × M) input (N ₂ × M) that distributes the signal channel to any of the (N ₂ × M) receivers
M) A wavelength division type optical communication path comprising an output optical signal selection unit. 5. The wavelength division type optical communication path according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein regeneration processing of each signal channel is performed on each output of N ₁ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexers. A wavelength division type optical communication path having a configuration in which (N ₁ × M) regenerative repeater circuits are connected. 6. The wavelength division type optical communication path according to any one of claims 1 to 3, N ₁ pieces of (N ₁ + N ₂₎ on the output of the input 1 output optical combiners, the M respectively N ₁ 1-input M separated into signal channels
Output optical demultiplexer and regeneration processing for each separated signal channel (N ₁ × M)
N regenerative repeater circuits and N ₁ M for multiplexing M regenerated signal channels
A wavelength division type optical communication path characterized by being connected to an input / output optical multiplexer. 7. A wavelength division optical communication path according to claim 4, the output of the N ₁ pieces of N ₁ input 1 output optical combiners, respectively M
N ₁ 1-input M-output optical demultiplexer that separates each signal channel and regeneration processing for each separated signal channel (N ₁ × M)
N regenerative repeater circuits and N ₁ M for multiplexing M regenerated signal channels
A wavelength division type optical communication path characterized by being connected to an input / output optical multiplexer.