JP2010219828A - Optical path cross connection apparatus for optical path network and hierarchical optical path cross connection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical path cross connection apparatus remarkably reducing the scale of a matrix switch compared with a conventional apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A wavelength cross connection section WXC includes for each of N pieces of wavelengths: N-sets of matrix switches WMS1 for wavelength drop which switches between paths of yKM pieces wavelengths for configuring a drop wavelength group to a wavelength level WLL and the predetermined number of drop wavelength paths to be dropped to an electric layer EL; a matrix switch WMS2 for switching square path which switches between paths of wavelengths configuring the predetermined number of drop wavelength groups and path of wavelengths configuring the predetermined number of subscription wavelength groups thereof; and a matrix switch WMS3 for wavelength subscription which switches between paths of the predetermined number of subscription wavelengths from the electric layer EL and paths of wavelengths configuring the predetermined number of subscription wavelength groups. With this configuration, a matrix region corresponding to adding input for originally unrequired drop output is released in the wavelength level WLL. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical path cross-connect device functioning as a relay node of an optical path network and a hierarchical optical path cross-connect device.

  In an optical path network, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) in which light of a plurality of wavelengths respectively corresponding to a plurality of wavelength channels (wave channels or light paths) divided every 100 GHz of a predetermined communication wavelength band is multiplexed. Division Multiplexing, that is, wavelength groups, are transmitted in parallel via a plurality of paths (optical fibers). In each relay node of the optical path network, the wavelength group transmitted by an optical fiber or the like is switched as it is to an optical fiber in a predetermined transmission direction, and the wavelength (channel) included in the wavelength group is separated and re-multiplexed. The set wavelength group is switched to an optical fiber having a predetermined transmission direction. The optical cross-connect device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an example.

  In recent years, in an optical path cross-connect device that constitutes the relay node due to an increase in communication capacity, a plurality of wavelength groups or wavelengths input from an input-side transmission path are transferred to a predetermined transmission path on the output-side transmission path. Matrix switch used for direct route switching or switching to add multiple wavelength groups or parts of wavelengths to other wavelength groups in a given path (add) The scale is increasing, and the scale of the matrix switch is required to be as small as possible from the viewpoint of the scale and price of the apparatus.

JP 2008-252664 A

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, K wavelength groups are input via K input-side optical fibers, and K output-side lights in units of the wavelength groups in a band (wavelength group) cross-connect section. In addition to routing to the fiber and adding / dropping a wavelength group for performing wavelength unit routing at a predetermined add / drop ratio y to the wavelength cross-connect unit, M wavelengths included in the wavelength group in the wavelength cross-connect unit In addition to performing routing in units of wavelength by decomposing the wavelength of the wavelength, a router or the like is provided to set the wavelength to the electrical layer (electrical level) EL for signal conversion between electrical signals and optical signals in wavelength units Hierarchical optical path cross-connect devices configured to add / drop at an add / drop rate of z have been proposed. In the case of this hierarchical optical path cross-connect device, M (1 + y) K × (1 + y) K matrix switches are provided in the band cross-connect unit, and MN yK (1 + z in the wavelength cross-connect unit. ) × yK (1 + z) matrix switches are provided. For this reason, using a single matrix switch with the size of (number of wavelength groups KMN + number of dropped wavelengths) × (number of wavelength groups KMN + number of added wavelengths) Compared to the case where routing is performed in units of wavelengths in order to make the wavelength group recombined with different combinations, the scale of the matrix switch can be greatly reduced.

  However, in the above-described conventional optical path cross-connect device trick switch, a plurality of wavelength groups or wavelengths input from the input-side transmission path are directly routed to a predetermined transmission path of the output-side transmission path. Matrix switches used for path switching and add / drop switching for dropping (adding) a plurality of input wavelength groups or a part of wavelengths to other wavelength groups in a predetermined path are integrated. Since it is configured, for example, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 11, the scale is the number of optical fibers constituting the transmission path, the number of wavelength groups included in one optical fiber, and the wavelength included in one wavelength group. As the number increases, there is a drawback that the scale of the matrix switch is still large from the viewpoint of the scale and price of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in the background of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to provide an optical path cross-connect device for an optical path network that can greatly reduce the scale of a matrix switch as compared with the prior art. Alternatively, a hierarchical optical path cross-connect device is provided.

  The present inventor has made various studies on the background of the above situation, and as a result, in the conventional matrix switch, paying attention to the fact that an area for performing add input corresponding to drop output is not used at all. A matrix that performs routing in units of groups or wavelengths, a matrix that performs drop switching from the wavelength group level (wavelength group routing layer) to the wavelength level (wavelength routing layer) or from the wavelength level to the electrical level, and the electrical level A matrix that performs add (subscription) switching from the wavelength level to the wavelength level or from the wavelength level to the wavelength group level for each function, so that a matrix corresponding to an add (subscription) input for an essentially unnecessary drop (drop) output is provided. The area is removed and the overall size of the matrix switch is significantly reduced. We have found the fact that it can be. The present invention has been made based on such knowledge.

  That is, the gist of the invention according to claim 1 for achieving the above object is that (a) each wavelength constituting a plurality of sets of wavelength groups input via a plurality of input-side wavelength group paths is used. After reconfiguring a plurality of wavelength groups by performing routing in units of wavelengths, the plurality of reconfigured wavelength groups are output to a plurality of output-side wavelength group paths, and the plurality of input wavelength groups are Light of an optical path network comprising a wavelength cross-connect unit that drops a drop wavelength to an electrical layer at a predetermined ratio of constituent wavelengths and reconfigures the wavelength group from the electrical layer to reconfigure the wavelength group A path cross-connect device, wherein (b) the wavelength cross-connect unit is (b-1) a path of each wavelength that constitutes each of the plurality of sets of input wavelength groups and a drop wavelength of the predetermined ratio. (B-2) Each wavelength path and each of the plurality of sets of output wavelengths that constitute each of the plurality of sets of input wavelengths. An input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch that switches between paths of each wavelength to be reconfigured, and (b-3) a path of the predetermined wavelength and a plurality of sets of output wavelength groups. And an addition wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch for switching between paths of wavelengths to be reconfigured.

  The gist of the invention according to claim 2 is that, in the invention according to claim 1, (c) the number of the input-side wavelength group paths and the number of the output-side wavelength group paths are K, one wavelength group, respectively. When the number of wavelength groups in the path is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add / drop ratio for the electrical layer is z (where z is 0 to 1), (c-1) The input wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch has KMN inputs and zKMN outputs. (C-2) The input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group wavelength matrix switch has K pieces. (C-2) The addition / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch has zKMN inputs and KMN outputs. It is characterized by having

  The gist of the invention according to claim 3 is that, in the invention according to claim 1, (d) the number of the input-side wavelength group paths and the number of the output-side wavelength group paths are set to K, one wavelength group, respectively. When the number of wavelength groups in the path is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add / drop rate for the electrical layer is z (where z is 0 to 1), (d-1) The input wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch is composed of MN matrix switches having K inputs and zK outputs, and (d-2) the input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group wavelength. The matrix switch is composed of MN matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs, and (d-3) the matrix switch between the added wavelength / output wavelength group wavelengths is zK inputs. And MN with K outputs Characterized in that it is made of the matrix switch.

  The gist of the invention according to claim 4 is that, in the invention according to claim 1, (e) the number of the input-side wavelength group paths and the number of the output-side wavelength group paths are K, one wavelength group, respectively. When the number of wavelength groups in the path is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add / drop ratio for the electrical layer is z (where z = 1), (e-1) the input wavelength The group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch comprises KMN switches having one input and two outputs, and (e-2) the input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group wavelength matrix switch. Is composed of MN matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs, and (e-3) the matrix switch between the added wavelength / output wavelength group wavelengths has two inputs and one Consisting of KMN switches with And characterized in that.

  Further, the gist of the invention according to claim 5 is that (f) a plurality of sets of wavelength groups input via a plurality of input side wavelength group paths are routed in units of wavelength groups to thereby output a plurality of output side wavelengths. Output to a group path, drop a predetermined ratio of drop wavelength groups from the plurality of input wavelength groups, and add a predetermined ratio of add wavelength groups and output from one of the output side wavelength group paths A band cross-connect unit to be configured, and a wavelength cross-connect unit configured to route the plurality of wavelengths constituting the dropped predetermined ratio of dropped wavelength groups in units of wavelengths to configure the predetermined percentage of added wavelength groups. (G) The band cross-connect unit includes (g-1) the plurality of input wavelength group paths and the predetermined ratio of the drop. An input wavelength group / drop wavelength group matrix switch for switching between the wavelength group paths; and (g-2) switching between the plurality of input wavelength group paths and the plurality of output wavelength group paths. An input wavelength group / output wavelength group matrix switch; and (g-3) an added wavelength group / output wavelength group matrix for switching between the predetermined number of added wavelength group paths and the plurality of output wavelength group paths. A switch.

  The gist of the invention according to claim 6 is that, in the invention according to claim 5, (h) the number of the input-side wavelength group paths and the number of the output-side wavelength group paths are K, one wavelength group, respectively. When the number of wavelength groups in the path is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add / drop ratio for the wavelength cross-connect unit is y (where y is 0 to 1), (h-1 ) The input wavelength group / drop wavelength group matrix switch has KM inputs and yKM outputs, and (h-2) the input wavelength group / output wavelength group matrix switch has K pieces. And (h-3) the matrix switch between the added wavelength group / output wavelength group has yKM inputs and KM outputs. It is characterized by having.

  A gist of the invention according to claim 7 is that, in the invention according to claim 5 or 6, (i) the wavelength cross-connect section is (i-1) from the band cross-connect section to the wavelength cross-connect section. A drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch that switches between a path of wavelengths constituting a predetermined number of drop wavelength groups dropped to the unit and a path of a predetermined number of drop wavelengths to be dropped to the electrical layer; i-2) A drop wavelength group wavelength / additional wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch that switches between a wavelength path constituting the predetermined number of drop wavelength groups and a wavelength path constituting the predetermined number of added wavelength groups And (i-3) a joining wavelength / a joining wavelength for switching between a path of a predetermined number of added wavelengths from the electrical layer and a path of wavelengths constituting the predetermined number of added wavelength groups. And a matrix switch between group wavelengths.

  Further, the gist of the invention according to claim 8 is that, in the invention according to claim 7, (j) when the add / drop ratio for the electrical layer is z (where z is 0 to 1), j-1) The drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch has yKMN inputs and zyKMN outputs, and (j-2) the drop wavelength group wavelength / addition wavelength group wavelength matrix. The switch is composed of N matrix switches having yKM inputs and yKM outputs. (J-3) The addition wavelength / addition wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch includes zyKMN inputs and yKMN. And having outputs.

  The gist of the invention according to claim 9 is that, in the invention according to claim 7, when (k) the add / drop ratio for the electrical layer is z (where z = 1), (k− 1) The drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch is composed of yKMN switches having one input and two outputs, and (k-2) the input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength. The inter-group-wavelength matrix switch is composed of N matrix switches having yKM inputs and yKM outputs, and (k-3) there are two matrix switches between the added wavelength / output wavelength group wavelengths. And yKMN switches having one input and one output.

  The gist of the invention according to claim 10 is that, in the invention according to claim 5 or 6, (l) the matrix switch between the input wavelength groups / drop wavelength groups is a plurality of input side wavelength group paths. (M) The matrix switch between the added wavelength group / output wavelength group is divided into a plurality of input side groups, and is configured by dividing the switch into M-number K input and yKM output switches in one wavelength group path. It is characterized by being divided into switches of K input and yKM outputs of M wavelength groups in one wavelength group path among the wavelength group paths.

  Further, the gist of the invention according to claim 11 is that, in the invention according to claim 8, (n) the drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch has N wavelengths in the one wavelength group. The switch is divided into yKM input and zyKM output switches, and (o) the added wavelength group / output wavelength group matrix switch is a wavelength group in one wavelength group path among the plurality of input side wavelength group paths. It is characterized by being divided into several M switches of K input and yKM output.

  According to the optical path cross-connect device of the optical path network of the invention according to claim 1, the wavelength cross-connect unit includes (b-1) the path of each wavelength constituting each of the plurality of sets of input wavelength groups and the predetermined ratio. An input wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch that switches between a plurality of drop wavelength paths, and (b-2) a path of each wavelength that constitutes each of the plurality of input wavelength groups and a plurality of sets of outputs. An input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch for switching between the respective wavelength paths for reconfiguring the wavelength groups, and (b-3) the predetermined ratio of the added wavelength paths and the plurality of sets. Switch from wavelength level to electrical level because it includes an add-on wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch that switches between each wavelength path that reconfigures the output wavelength group. A drop matrix to be performed, a matrix that performs routing in units of wavelengths constituting the input wavelength group, and an add matrix that switches from the electrical level to the wavelength level are provided for each function, so they are essentially unnecessary. The matrix area corresponding to the add input to the drop output is eliminated, and the scale of the matrix switch is greatly reduced as a whole. Therefore, a small and inexpensive optical path cross-connect device can be obtained.

  According to the optical path cross-connect device of the optical path network of the invention of claim 2, (c) the number of the input side wavelength group paths and the number of the output side wavelength group paths are set to K, respectively, within one wavelength group path. When the number of wavelength groups of M is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add / drop ratio for the electrical layer is z (where z is 0 to 1), (c-1) the input wavelength The group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch has KMN inputs and zKMN outputs. (C-2) The input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group matrix switch has K inputs. And MN matrix switches having K outputs, and (c-2) the addition wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch has zKMN inputs and KMN outputs So the whole Scale of the matrix switch is compact optical path cross-connect device is obtained by.

  According to the optical path cross-connect device of the optical path network of the invention according to claim 3, (d) the number of the input side wavelength group paths and the number of the output side wavelength group paths are set to K, one wavelength group path, respectively. (D-1) where the number of wavelengths in the wavelength group is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add / drop ratio for the electrical layer is z (where z is 0 to 1). The wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch is composed of MN matrix switches having K inputs and zK outputs, and (d-2) between the input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group wavelengths. The matrix switch is composed of MN matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs. (D-3) The addition wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch includes zK inputs. With K outputs Because it is made of the N matrix switches, scale matrix switch more compact optical path cross-connect device is obtained as a whole.

  According to the optical path cross-connect device of the optical path network of the invention according to claim 4, (e) the number of the input side wavelength group paths and the number of the output side wavelength group paths are set to K, one wavelength group path, respectively. (E-1) where the number of wavelengths in the wavelength group is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add / drop ratio for the electrical layer is z (where z = 1). The wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch is composed of KMN switches having one input and two outputs. (E-2) The input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group wavelength matrix switch is MN matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs, and (e-3) the matrix switch between the added wavelength / output wavelength group wavelengths comprises two inputs and one KMN switches with outputs Since those consisting al, although the switch and the add switch for dropping does not choose the output side, there is the advantage that the whole scale of the matrix switch is even more compact as.

  According to the layered optical path cross-connect device of the optical path network of the invention according to claim 5, the band cross-connect unit includes (g-1) the plurality of input wavelength group paths and the drop wavelength group of the predetermined ratio. An input wavelength group / drop wavelength group matrix switch that switches between the plurality of input wavelength groups, and (g-2) an input wavelength that switches between the plurality of input wavelength group paths and the plurality of output wavelength group paths. A matrix switch between group / output wavelength groups, and (g-3) a matrix switch between the added wavelength group / output wavelength group for switching between the path of the predetermined number of added wavelength groups and the plurality of output wavelength group paths, As a whole, the scale of the matrix switch is significantly reduced. Therefore, a small and inexpensive hierarchical optical path cross-connect device can be obtained.

  According to the hierarchical optical path cross-connect device of the optical path network of the invention according to claim 6, (h) the number of the input side wavelength group paths and the number of the output side wavelength group paths are respectively set to K, one wavelength When the number of wavelength groups in the group path is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add / drop ratio with respect to the wavelength cross-connect unit is y (where y is 0 to 1), (h− 1) The input wavelength group / drop wavelength group matrix switch has KM inputs and yKM outputs, and (h-2) the input wavelength group / output wavelength group matrix switch is K (H-3) The matrix switch between the added wavelength group / output wavelength group includes yKM inputs and KM outputs. Because it has Scale of the matrix switch Te is compact layered optical path cross-connect device is obtained.

  According to the hierarchized optical path cross-connect device of the optical path network of the invention according to claim 7, (i) the wavelength cross-connect unit is (i-1) from the band cross-connect unit to the wavelength cross-connect unit. A drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch for switching between a path of wavelengths constituting a predetermined number of dropped wavelength groups dropped into a path and a predetermined number of dropped wavelength paths to be dropped into the electrical layer; -2) a drop wavelength group wavelength / addition wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch that switches between a path of wavelengths constituting the predetermined number of drop wavelength groups and a wavelength path of the predetermined number of added wavelength groups; (I-3) Join wavelength / subscription for switching between a path of a predetermined number of join wavelengths from the electrical layer and a path of wavelengths constituting the predetermined number of join wavelength groups Since a matrix switch between wavelength groups is included, a hierarchical optical path cross-connect device in which the scale of the matrix switch is further reduced as a whole can be obtained.

  According to the hierarchical optical path cross-connect device of the optical path network of the invention according to claim 8, when (j) the add / drop rate for the electrical layer is z (where z is 0 to 1), (j-1) The drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch has yKMN inputs and zyKMN outputs, and (j-2) between the drop wavelength group wavelengths / additional wavelength group wavelengths. The matrix switch is composed of N matrix switches having yKM inputs and yKM outputs, and (j-3) the matrix switch between the addition wavelength / addition wavelength group wavelengths is composed of zyKMN inputs. Since it has yKMN outputs, a hierarchical optical path cross-connect device having a smaller matrix switch as a whole can be obtained.

  According to the hierarchical optical path cross-connect device of the optical path network of the invention according to claim 9, when (k) the add / drop rate for the electrical layer is z (where z = 1), (k -1) The drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch is composed of yKMN switches having one input and two outputs, and (k-2) the input wavelength group wavelength / output. The wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch is composed of N matrix switches having yKM inputs and yKM outputs, and (k-3) the addition wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch is 2 Since it is composed of yKMN switches having one input and one output, the drop switch and the add switch cannot select the output side with the electrical layer. Of, there is an advantage that the whole scale of the matrix switch is even more compact as.

It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the principal part structure of the optical path cross-connect apparatus of the optical path network of one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the wavelength group of a continuous arrangement | positioning type | mold which shows arrangement | positioning on the wavelength axis of the some wavelength which comprises one wavelength group among the several wavelength groups input into the optical path cross-connect apparatus of FIG. 1 is a dispersion arrangement type wavelength indicating arrangement on a wavelength axis of a plurality of wavelengths constituting one wavelength group among a plurality of wavelength groups input to an optical path cross-connect device included in the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer of FIG. It is a figure explaining a group. FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of an arrayed waveguide grating constituting a wavelength optical multiplexer / demultiplexer in the optical path cross-connect device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an optical switch used as a cross point of a wavelength drop matrix switch, a route switching matrix switch, and a wavelength addition matrix switch in the optical path cross-connect device of FIG. 1. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the principal part structure of the optical path cross-connect apparatus of the optical path network which is the other Example of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the principal part structure of the optical path cross-connect apparatus of the optical path network which is the other Example of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the principal part structure of the hierarchical optical path cross-connect apparatus of the optical path network which is the other Example of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the principal part structure of the hierarchical optical path cross-connect apparatus of the optical path network which is the other Example of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the input / output operation of a wavelength optical multiplexer / demultiplexer composed of an arrayed waveguide grating having no wavelength recursion in Example 5 of FIG. 9. In the optical path cross-connect device, it is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the number of input fibers and the number of cross points of the matrix switch as a whole. It is a figure explaining the structure of the conventional hierarchical optical path cross-connect apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is an optical path cross-connect device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a configuration example of one layer. This optical path cross-connect device 10 is arranged as a relay node of an optical path network, and each of a predetermined number, for example, K input-side optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,. The K sets of wavelength groups WB1 to WBK input via the signal are recombined as they are or from a part of the wavelengths included in the input wavelength groups WB1 to WBK, and function as an output side wavelength group path It outputs to a predetermined number, for example, K output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo1,... FoK. In this embodiment, N wavelengths of light corresponding to a plurality of wavelength channels (wave channels or light paths) divided every 100 GHz of a predetermined communication wavelength band, for example, are combined to generate one wavelength. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) light, that is, one wavelength group WB is configured, and one wavelength group WB is transmitted for each one wavelength group transmission path, that is, one optical fiber in a set of M. Is done. That is, K sets of wavelength groups WB11 to WB1M, WB21 to WB2M,... WBK1 to WBKM are input in parallel through the input side optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,. Wavelength groups WB11 to WB1M, WB21 to WB2M,... WBK1 to WBKM are output in parallel via output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,. K, M, and N are integers, for example, K = 8, M = 8, and N = 12.

  Here, for example, the wavelengths of the wavelength channels included in the wavelength group B11 are λ111 to λ11N, the wavelengths of the wavelength channels included in the wavelength group B12 are λ121 to λ12N, and the wavelengths of the wavelength channels included in the wavelength group B1M are λ1M1 to λ1MN The wavelengths of the wavelength channels included in the group BKM are λKM1 to λKMN, but these wavelengths, for example, λ121 to λ12N, may increase sequentially one after another or may be dispersive. Good. 2 and 3 show an example of the configuration of the wavelength lambda constituting each wavelength group. In the example of FIG. 2, one wavelength group is set for every 16 consecutive wavelengths selected from continuous wavelengths. In the example of FIG. 3, one wavelength group is set from 16 wavelengths that are dispersively selected from continuous wavelengths.

  The optical path cross-connect device 10 of FIG. 1 includes K input side optical multiplexers / demultiplexers A1 to AK, one wavelength drop matrix switch MS1, and K × KMN wavelength path switching matrix switches MS2. And an add matrix switch MS3 and K output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers B1 to BK. In this embodiment, the K input side optical multiplexers / demultiplexers A1 to AK function as multiplexers. The K output side multiplexer / demultiplexers B1 to BK function as multiplexers. Further, the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 switches between the wavelength paths constituting each of the plurality of input wavelength groups and the predetermined number of drop wavelength paths, and the input wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch. Function as. In addition, the MN K × K wavelength path switching K × K matrix switch MS2 includes each wavelength path that constitutes a plurality of input wavelength groups and each wavelength wavelength that reconfigures each of the plurality of output wavelength groups. It functions as an input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group wavelength matrix switch that switches between paths. The one wavelength add matrix switch MS3 switches between a predetermined number of added wavelength paths and each wavelength path reconfiguring the plurality of output wavelength groups. Functions as a matrix switch between wavelengths.

  The input side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers A1 to AK and the output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers B1 to BK are different from each other in that they are used in opposite directions, but are configured in the same manner. The duplexers A1 to AK will be described. Each of the input side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers A1 to AK is composed of, for example, a pair of arrayed waveguide gratings AWG, and a plurality of sets are input one by one through each of the input side optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,. The wavelength groups WB11 to WB1M, WB21 to WB2M,... WBK1 to WBKM are demultiplexed in units of wavelength groups, and the demultiplexed wavelength groups are further demultiplexed into MN wavelengths in units of wavelengths. , MN terminals and paths are output to one wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and MN wavelength path switching K × K matrix switch MS2.

  The arrayed waveguide grating AWG is well known as shown in FIG. 4, for example, and includes a plurality of arrayed waveguides 20 having optical path length differences and a plurality of input-side waveguides each having an input port 16. 22 and between the input side waveguide 22 and the arrayed waveguide 20, and the wavelength division multiplexed light WDM inputted to the input port 16 is distributed by diffusion to distribute the input side ends of the plurality of arrayed waveguides 20. Input lens waveguides 24 to be input to the respective sections, a plurality of output side waveguides 26 respectively connected to the optical connection paths 18, and provided between the output side waveguides 26 and the arrayed waveguides 20. A plurality of wavelength channels (for example, different waves having different central wavelength positions each different by 100 GHz) included in the wavelength division multiplexed optical WDM output from the output side end of the arrayed waveguide 20 Of the plurality of arrayed waveguides 20 are separately dispersed for each wavelength by diffraction based on the mutual optical path length difference of the plurality of arrayed waveguides 20 and condensed at the end of the output-side waveguide 26 in advance. An output lens waveguide 28 is provided that demultiplexes the light into the output-side waveguide 26 and multiplexes and outputs the light collected at the end of one output-side waveguide 26 by separate demultiplexing.

  One arrayed waveguide grating AWG1 of the pair of arrayed waveguide gratings AWG separates a plurality of wavelength groups (wavelength multiplexed light) WB transmitted by a common optical fiber (path) with sufficient signal intensity in units of wavelength groups. The arrayed waveguide 20 and the output lens waveguide 28 are set so as to oscillate, and the other arrayed waveguide grating AWG2 is sufficient to separately divide the wavelength channels λ1 to λK used with sufficient signal intensity. The arrayed waveguide 20 and the output lens waveguide 28 are designed so as to have resolution. The arrayed waveguide grating AWG has the capability of allowing the wavelength division multiplexed light WDM to be demultiplexed and multiplexed at a resolution of the wavelength required for multiplexing / demultiplexing at least for each wavelength channel, and to one input port. In contrast, a wavelength separation function for separating a plurality of wavelength channels included in the wavelength division multiplexed optical WDM input for each wavelength, and the same wavelength appears at the output port by shifting one input position with respect to the plurality of input ports. It has a characteristic (function) in which the positions are sequentially shifted one by one. Further, it is possible to shift the output position one by one by shifting the input position one by one, which is called wavelength circulation property. Since such a relationship between input and output is established reversibly, it can function as a wavelength group optical multiplexer if the light propagation direction is reversed.

  A router or the like is provided, and an add / drop rate z (= 0 to 1 is set in advance) between the electrical signal and the electrical layer EL for performing signal conversion between the optical signal and the optical signal in units of wavelength, that is, 1), the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 has an input number KMN for receiving MN wavelengths from the K input-side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers A1 to AK, and an electrical layer. This is a matrix switch having the number of drop wavelengths, ie, the number of outputs zKMN obtained by multiplying the number of inputs KMN by the preset add / drop rate z for dropping to the EL. Therefore, the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 includes KMN × zKMN optical switches PS for each KMN × zKMN crosspoints, as indicated by black dots in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the optical switch PS includes a first arm waveguide 36 extending from the first port P1 to the third port P3, and a second arm waveguide 38 extending from the second port P2 to the fourth port P4. A pair of 3 dB directional couplers 40 and 42 configured by bringing the first arm waveguide 36 and the second arm waveguide 38 close to each other, and the pair of 3 dB directional couplers 40. And 42 are provided with thin film heaters 44 and 46 provided on the first arm waveguide 36 and the second arm waveguide 38, respectively. In this optical switch PS, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer is basically constituted by the first arm waveguide 36 and the second arm waveguide 38, and the optical path length difference between the first arm waveguide 36 and the second arm waveguide 38. When ΔL is zero, the input light is output through the cross path from the first port P1 to the fourth port P4 or from the second port P2 to the third port P3, but the optical path length difference ΔL is half wavelength. Since the input light is output through the bar path from the first port P1 to the third port P3 or from the second port P2 to the fourth port P4, it functions as an optical path difference changer. An input signal is output from either the third port P3 or the fourth port P4 by controlling the path length difference ΔL using the thermo-optic effect caused by the heat generated by the thin film heaters 44 and 46. It is capable of controlling as. That is, a 1-input 2-output or 2-input 1-output optical switch (1 × 2 SW) or (2 × 1 SW) is configured.

  The optical switch PS includes a plurality of array conductors constituting optical waveguides constituting the matrix switches MS1, MS2, and MS3 including the optical switches, input side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers A1 to AK, and output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers B1 to BK. Waveguide gratings AWG and optical waveguides (paths) connecting these arrayed waveguide gratings AWG to each other, matrix switches MS1, MS2, and MS3, and input side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers A1 to AK and output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers Together with the optical waveguides (paths) connecting the corrugators B1 to BK, a monolithic structure can be formed by a quartz-based planar lightwave circuit (PLC) on one or more substrates made of, for example, quartz or silicon. In this case, the optical path cross-connect device 10 is greatly reduced in size.

  Returning to FIG. 1, each of the MN wavelength path switching matrix switches MS2 receives an optical signal of one wavelength, for example, a wavelength λ1, from each of the K input side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers A1 to AK. There are a number K and an output number K for outputting an optical signal of wavelength λ1 to each of the K output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers B1 to BK. Each of these wavelength path switching matrix switches MS2 includes K × K optical switches PS for each K × K cross points. Each of the MN wavelength path switching matrix switches MS2 mainly generates KM wavelength groups WB11 to WB1M, WB21 to WB2M to generate new KM wavelength groups to be transmitted in a predetermined direction. ... By receiving and multiplexing wavelengths demultiplexed from WBK1 to WBKM, predetermined wavelengths are output to the K output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers B1 to BK, respectively.

  Further, in FIG. 1, one wavelength add matrix switch MS3 has the same scale as the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1, and the number of zKMN inputs for receiving zKMN added wavelengths applied from the electrical layer EL. And output number KMN for outputting KMN wavelengths to the K output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers B1 to BK, respectively. The wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 includes KMN × zKMN optical switches PS for each KMN × zKMN crosspoints indicated by black dots in FIG. For this reason, the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 includes zKMN × KMN optical switches PS for every zKMN × KMN crosspoints, as indicated by black dots in FIG.

Therefore, the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 of this embodiment have a total of 2zK ² M ² N ² cross points, that is, the optical switch PS.

  In the optical path cross-connect device 10 of this embodiment configured as described above, the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC configures KM input wavelength groups WB11 to WB1M, WB21 to WB2M,... WBK1 to WBKM, respectively. Wavelength drop matrix switch (input wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch) MS1 for switching between KMN wavelength paths and a predetermined number, ie, zKMN drop wavelength paths, and the above KM inputs Wavelength path switching matrix switch for switching between the KMN wavelength paths constituting the wavelength groups and the KMN wavelength paths for reconfiguring the KM output wavelength groups, respectively. Wavelength group wavelength / Output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch) MS2 and a predetermined number of paths, that is, zKMN additional wavelength paths and KM A wavelength add matrix switch (additional wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch) MS3 for switching between KMN wavelength paths for reconfiguring the output wavelength groups, respectively. Wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 for switching from level WLL to electrical level EL, wavelength path switching matrix switch MS2 for routing in units of wavelengths constituting the input wavelength group, and electrical level EL to wavelength level WLL Since the matrix switch MS3 for wavelength addition for switching to the function is provided for each function, the matrix area corresponding to the add (subscription) input for the essentially unnecessary drop (drop) output is eliminated, and the matrix as a whole Since the switch size is significantly reduced, A compact and inexpensive optical path cross-connect device 10 is obtained.

  Further, according to the optical path cross-connect device 10 of the present embodiment, the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 has KMN inputs and zKMN outputs, and the wavelength path switching matrix switch MS2 Since it comprises MN matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs, the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 has zKMN inputs and KMN outputs. When K = 8, M = 8, N = 12, and z = 0.5, one 768 × 384 wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and 96 8 × 8 wavelength path switching A matrix switch MS2 and a matrix switch MS3 for wavelength addition of 384 × 768 are added to form a matrix as a whole. Scale scan switch a small optical path cross-connect device 10 is obtained.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, parts common to the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The optical path cross-connect device 50 shown in FIG. 6 differs from the optical path cross-connect device 10 shown in FIG. 1 in the configuration of the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3, but the other configurations are the same. Has been.

The wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 of the present embodiment are each composed of MN K × zK matrix switches by being divided for each wavelength as compared with the embodiment of FIG. Has been. Each of the MN wavelength drop matrix switches MS111 to MS1MN includes K × zK optical switches PS for each K × zK crosspoint. Similarly, each of the MN wavelength add matrix switches MS311 to MS3MN includes zK × K optical switches PS for each zK × K crosspoints. Therefore, the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 of this embodiment have a total of 2zK ² MN cross-points, that is, optical switches PS.

Also in this embodiment, similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 for switching from the wavelength level WLL to the electrical level EL and the wavelength method for routing in the wavelength unit constituting the input wavelength group. Since the path switching matrix switch MS2 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 for switching from the electrical level EL to the wavelength level WLL are provided for each function, an add (subscription) for an essentially unnecessary drop (drop) output is provided. ) Since the matrix area corresponding to the input is eliminated and the scale of the matrix switch is significantly reduced as a whole, a small and inexpensive optical path cross-connect device 50 is obtained. Further, according to the present embodiment, the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 are respectively composed of MN small wavelength drop matrix switches MS111 to MS1MN and wavelength drop matrix switches MS311 to MS3MN. because there, in total, ^2ZK 2 for MN pieces of comprises a cross-point number or light switch ^PS, wavelength drop of example 1 and a 2zK ² M ^{2 N 2} pieces of the cross points or light switch PS Compared with the matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3, the number of cross points, that is, the optical switch PS is significantly reduced, and the optical path cross-connect device 50 that is smaller and less expensive can be obtained.

  The optical path cross-connect device 60 shown in FIG. 7 differs from the optical path cross-connect device 10 shown in FIG. 1 in the configurations of the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3, but the other configurations are the same. Has been.

  In this embodiment, the add / drop ratio z is set to 1, and the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 are divided for each wavelength as compared with the embodiment of FIG. Are each composed of 1 × 2 matrix switch and 2 × 1 matrix switch, that is, 1 × 2 and 2 × 1 optical switches PS. Accordingly, the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 of the present embodiment have a total of 2 KMN cross points, that is, the optical switch PS.

  Also in the optical path cross-connect device 60 of the present embodiment, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the wavelength drop matrix MS1 for switching from the wavelength level WLL to the electrical level EL and the wavelength unit constituting the input wavelength group Since the wavelength route switching matrix MS2 for performing routing and the wavelength add matrix MS3 for switching from the electrical level EL to the wavelength level WLL are provided for each function, an essentially unnecessary drop (drop) output is provided. The matrix area corresponding to the add input is eliminated, and the scale of the matrix switch as a whole is greatly reduced, so that a small and inexpensive optical path cross-connect device 60 can be obtained.

In addition, according to the optical path cross-connect device 60 of the present embodiment, the usage form is slightly limited in that the drop wavelength is simply dropped on the electrical layer EL and the drop destination port or path cannot be selected. Since the drop matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 are respectively composed of KMN minimum 1 × 2 and 2 × 1 optical switches PS, the total number of crosspoints is 2 KMN, that is, optical switches due to the provision of the PS, compared to 2zK ² M ² N ² pieces of the cross points or matrix switch wavelength drop of example 1 includes an optical switch PS MS1 and wavelength add a matrix switch MS3, Crosspoint The number of optical switches PS is greatly reduced Further, a small and inexpensive optical path cross-connect device 60 is obtained.

  The optical path cross-connect devices 10, 50, and 60 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 are optical path cross-connect devices having a first floor configuration that performs routing in wavelength units at the wavelength level WLL. The optical path cross-connect device 70 is different in that the optical path cross-connect device 70 is a hierarchical optical path cross-connect device having a two-story structure that performs routing in units of wavelength groups at the wavelength group level WBL and routes in units of wavelengths at the wavelength level WLL.

  In FIG. 8, an optical path cross-connect device 70 includes K groups of wavelength groups WB11 to WB1M, WB21 input via K input-side optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,... FiK that function as input wavelength group paths. WB2M, ... WBK1 to WBKM are routed in units of wavelength groups and output to K output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2, ... FoK, and the input K group wavelength groups WB11 to Any one of the output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,... Fok by dropping a predetermined number of dropped wavelength groups from WB1M, WB21 to WB2M,. A plurality of wavelengths constituting a band cross-connect unit BXC to be output from a predetermined number of wavelength groups dropped at a preset drop / add rate y (arbitrary number of 0 to 1). And a wavelength cross-connect unit WXC that configures the other predetermined number of wavelength groups.

  In the wavelength group level WBL, the band cross-connect unit BXC has a wavelength group of each group that is input via the input side optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,... FiK, for example, from the wavelength groups WB11 to WB1M in units of wavelength groups. WB11, WB12,... K input side optical multiplexers / demultiplexers AB1 to ABK to be demultiplexed to WB1M, and a plurality, that is, K input side optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,. M wavelength group drop matrix switch that switches between the path of yKM drop wavelength groups that are dropped to the wavelength level WLL at the drop / add rate y (input wavelength group / drop wavelength group matrix switch) BMS1, a plurality of input optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,... FiK and a plurality of K output optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,. M wavelength group path switching matrix switch (matrix switch between input wavelength group / output wavelength group) BMS2 and switching from the wavelength level WLL at the predetermined number, that is, a preset drop / add ratio y Matrix switch for adding M wavelength groups (matrix switch between added wavelength groups / output wavelength groups) BMS3 for switching between yKM added wavelength groups and output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,. M wavelength groups respectively output from the wavelength group path switching matrix switch BMS2 and the wavelength group addition matrix switch BMS3 are combined, and the K group wavelength groups are respectively connected to the output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,. ... K output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers BB1 to BBK to be output to FoK.

  The number of output terminals (output paths) of the K input side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers AB1 to ABK and the number of input terminals (input paths) of the K output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers BB1 to BBK are the wavelength group drop. It is the same as the number of matrix switches BMS1 for use and the number of matrix switches BMS3 for wavelength group addition, that is, M pieces.

  The M wavelength group dropping matrix switches BMS1 are composed of a matrix switch having KM inputs and yKM outputs, and KM × yKM optical switches PS for every KM × yKM crosspoints. Each is equipped. The M wavelength group path switching matrix switch BMS2 is composed of a matrix switch having K inputs and K outputs, and K × K light beams for every K × K cross points. A switch PS is provided. The M wavelength group joining matrix switch BMS3 is composed of a matrix switch having yKM inputs and KM outputs, and yKM × KM optical switches PS for every yKM × KM crosspoints. Each is equipped.

  The wavelength cross-connect unit WXC demultiplexes a predetermined number, that is, yKM dropped wavelength groups dropped from the band cross-connect unit BXC to the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC into yKMN wavelengths in wavelength units at the wavelength group level WLL. To switch between yKM input-side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers AW1 to AWyKM and a predetermined number of paths to be dropped to the electrical layer EL, ie, yzKMN drop wavelength paths, to the demultiplexed yKMN wavelength paths Wavelength drop matrix switch of N number of wavelengths provided for each wavelength (drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch) WMS1, wavelength path constituting yKM drop wavelength group and yKM addition wavelength Wavelength path switching matrix with N wavelengths for switching between wavelength paths constituting the group Rx switch (drop wavelength group wavelength / additional wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch) WMS2, switching between yzKMN additional wavelength paths from the electrical layer EL and the wavelength paths constituting the predetermined number of additional wavelength groups N-wavelength matrix switch for wavelength addition (matrix switch between added wavelengths / additional wavelength groups) WMS3, and wavelengths output from the wavelength path switching matrix switch WMS2 and the wavelength-addition matrix switch WMS3, respectively. There are provided yKM output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers BW1 to BWyKM for multiplexing N units and outputting a plurality of, for example, yKM added wavelength groups.

  The number of output terminals (output paths) of yKM input side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers AW1 to AWyKM and the number of input terminals (input paths) of yKM output side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers BW1 to BWyKM are for wavelength drop. The number is the same as the number of matrix switches WMS1 and the number of matrix switches WMS3 for wavelength addition, N.

  The N wavelength drop matrix switches WMS1 are composed of matrix switches having yKMN inputs and yzKMN outputs, and yzKM × yKM optical switches PS are provided for every yzKM × yKM crosspoints. Each has. The N wavelength path switching matrix switches WMS2 are composed of matrix switches having yKM inputs and yKM outputs, and yKM × yKM optical switches for every yKM × yKM crosspoints. Each has a PS. The N wavelength addition matrix switches WMS3 are composed of matrix switches having yKM inputs and yzKM outputs, and yKM × yzKM optical switches PS are provided for every yKM × yzKM crosspoints. Each has.

Thus, in this embodiment in the band cross-connect unit BXC of wavelength group level WBL, the M wavelength groups for dropping matrix switch BMS1 and the M wavelength groups the subscription matrix switch BMS3 is the sum, ^2YK 2 ^{M 2} pieces The number of cross points, that is, an optical switch PS is provided. In the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC of the wavelength level WLL, the N wavelength drop matrix switches WMS1 and the N wavelength addition matrix switches WMS3 have 2zy ² K ² M ² N cross point numbers, that is, optical switches PS. It has.

  In the optical path cross-connect device 70 configured as described above, the band cross-connect unit BXC has a predetermined number of K input-side optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,... FiK at the wavelength group level WBL. That is, M wavelength group drop matrix switches BMS1 for switching between a path of yKM drop wavelength groups that are dropped to the wavelength level WLL at a preset drop / add ratio y, and K input sides M wavelength group path switching matrix switch BMS2 for switching between optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,... FiK and K output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,. That is, yKM added wavelength groups added from the wavelength level WLL at a preset drop / add rate y and the output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,... FoK Since there are M wavelength group addition matrix switches BMS3 that switch between the two, the wavelength group level WBL corresponds to an add (subscription) input for an essentially unnecessary drop (drop) output. The matrix area is eliminated and the overall size of the matrix switch is significantly reduced. Therefore, a small and inexpensive hierarchical optical path cross-connect device 70 can be obtained.

  Further, in the optical path cross-connect device 70 of this embodiment, the band cross-connect unit BXC has a wavelength group drop matrix switch (input wavelength group / drop wavelength group matrix switch) BMS1 has KM inputs and yKM pieces Wavelength group path switching matrix switch (matrix switch between input wavelength group / output wavelength group) BMS2 includes M matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs. Wavelength group addition matrix switch (matrix switch between added wavelength group and output wavelength group) BMS3 is a matrix switch having yKM inputs and KM outputs. In the wavelength group level WBL, a drop (drop wavelength group) that is essentially unnecessary The matrix region corresponding to the input to the output (additional wavelength group) is eliminated, and the hierarchical optical path cross-connect device 70 having a small matrix switch as a whole is obtained.

  Further, in the optical path cross-connect device 70 of this embodiment, the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC has a predetermined number of dropped wavelength groups dropped from the band cross-connect unit BXC to the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC every N wavelengths. N wavelength drop matrix switches (drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch) for switching between a path of yKM wavelengths constituting the path and a path of a predetermined number yzKM of drop wavelengths to be dropped to the electric layer EL Switch) N for switching between WMS1 and a wavelength path constituting a predetermined number yzKM drop wavelength groups and a wavelength path constituting the predetermined number yzKM added wavelength groups for each of N wavelengths. Matrix switch for switching wavelength path (matrix switch between drop wavelength group wavelength / addition wavelength group wavelength) ) N wavelengths for switching between the WMS 2 and a path of a predetermined number yzKM added wavelengths from the electrical layer EL and a path of wavelengths constituting the predetermined number of added wavelength groups for every N wavelengths. It includes a matrix switch for addition (matrix switch between the addition wavelength / addition wavelength group wavelength) WMS3. Therefore, at the wavelength level WLL, an add (addition wavelength group) input for an essentially unnecessary drop (drop wavelength group) output is provided. The corresponding matrix region is eliminated, and the hierarchical optical path cross-connect device 70 having a smaller matrix switch as a whole is obtained.

  In the optical path cross-connect device 70 of this embodiment, the wavelength group drop matrix switch BMS1 has KM inputs and yKM outputs in the band cross-connect unit BXC at the wavelength group level WBL. The wavelength group route switching matrix switch BMS2 is composed of M matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs, and the wavelength group addition matrix switch BMS3 is composed of yKM inputs and KM. For example, when K = 8, M = 8, N = 12, y = 0.5, and z = 0.5, eight 64 × 32 wavelengths are included. Group drop matrix switch BMS1, eight 8 × 8 wavelength group path switching matrix switches BMS2, and eight 32 × 64 wavelength group addition matrixes It consists of Tsu box switch BMS3 Metropolitan. In the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC at the wavelength level WLL, the N wavelength drop matrix switches WMS1 have yzKM inputs and yKM outputs, and N wavelength path switching matrix switches. WMS2 has yKM inputs and yKM outputs, and N wavelength addition matrix switches WMS3 have yKM inputs and yzKM outputs. 16 × 32 wavelength drop matrix switch WMS1, 12 32 × 32 wavelength path switching matrix switches WMS2, and 12 32 × 16 wavelength addition matrix switches WMS3. By configuring the band cross-connect unit BXC and the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC in this way, the optical path cross-connect device 10 having a small matrix switch as a whole can be obtained.

  The optical path cross-connect device 80 shown in FIG. 9 is different from the optical path cross-connect device 70 shown in FIG. 8 in the wavelength drop matrix switch WMS1 and the wavelength addition matrix switch WMS3 in the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC of the wavelength level WLL. Although the configuration is different, the other configuration is the same.

  FIG. 10 shows an optical path cross-connect device 80 in which the input-side optical multiplexer / demultiplexer AW1 among the input-side optical multiplexer / demultiplexers AW1 to AWyKM is composed of an arrayed waveguide grating having no wavelength recursion. In this case, the input / output operation of the wavelength division multiplexer AW1 is described. In FIG. 10, when a plurality of drop wavelength groups WB1, WB2,... WBM are input, the wavelengths λ1, λ2,. Output to the path switching matrix switch WMS2, the second wavelength path switching matrix switch WMS2,..., The Nth wavelength path switching matrix switch WMS2.

  In this embodiment, the add / drop ratio z is set to 1, and the wavelength drop matrix switch WMS1 and the wavelength addition matrix switch WMS3 are divided for each wavelength as compared with the embodiment of FIG. Are composed of yKMN 1 × 2 matrix switches and 2 × 1 matrix switches, that is, 1 × 2 and 2 × 1 optical switches PS, respectively. Therefore, the wavelength drop matrix switch WMS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch WMS3 of this embodiment include a total of 2yKMN crosspoints, that is, optical switches PS.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the band cross-connect unit BXC has a predetermined number, that is, a preset number, that is, K input-side optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,. M wavelength group drop matrix switches BMS1 for switching between yKM drop wavelength group paths dropped to the wavelength level WLL at the drop / add rate y, and K input side optical fibers Fi1, M2 wavelength group path switching matrix switches BMS2 for switching between Fi2,... FiK and K output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,. M that performs switching between yKM added wavelength groups that are added from the wavelength level WLL at the drop / add rate y and the output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,. Wavelength group addition matrix switch BMS3, and the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC has a predetermined number of dropped wavelengths dropped from the band cross-connect unit BXC to the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC for each of N wavelengths. N wavelength drop matrix switches WMS1 for switching between a path of yKM wavelengths constituting the group and a path of a predetermined number of yzKM drop wavelengths to be dropped to the electric layer EL, and for each of the N wavelengths N wavelength path switching matrix switches WMS2 for switching between a wavelength path constituting a predetermined number yzKM drop wavelength groups and a wavelength path constituting the predetermined number yzKM added wavelength groups; , A predetermined number of yzKM additional wavelength paths from the electrical layer EL and the predetermined number of additional wavelength groups for every N wavelengths. N wavelength addition matrix switch WMS3 that switches between the wavelength paths constituting the wavelength group WBL and the wavelength level WLL. Each matrix region corresponding to an add input is eliminated, and the scale of the matrix switch is greatly reduced as a whole. Therefore, a small and inexpensive hierarchical optical path cross-connect device 80 is obtained.

Further, in the optical path cross-connect device 80 of the present embodiment, the wavelength drop matrix MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 for switching between the wavelength level WLL and the electrical level EL are the KMN minimum 1 × 2 and because of the 2 × 1 from the optical switch PS is configured respectively, in total, since it is provided with a 2KMN number of cross points or light switch PS, 2zK ² M ² N ² pieces of the cross points or light switch Compared with the wavelength drop matrix switch MS1 and the wavelength add matrix switch MS3 of the first embodiment including the PS, the number of cross points, that is, the optical switch PS is significantly reduced, and the optical path cross-connect is further reduced in size and cost. Device 60 is obtained.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the reduction effect of the matrix switch in the optical path cross-connect device according to the example of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the wavelength drop matrix switch WMS1, the wavelength route switching matrix switch WMS2, and the wavelength in the wavelength cross connect unit WXC of the wavelength level WLL with respect to the hierarchical optical path cross connect device 70 shown in the fourth embodiment. The difference is that the number of the matrix switch WMS3 for subscription is MN, but the others are configured similarly. A case where the hierarchical optical path cross-connect device of the embodiment is used is indicated by a solid line, and a case where the conventional hierarchical optical path cross-connect device shown in FIG. 12 is used under the same routing condition is indicated by a broken line. FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the number of input fibers and the number of cross points of the matrix switch as a whole of the layered optical path cross-connect device. The layered optical path cross-connect device of the embodiment shown by the solid line Compared with the conventional hierarchical optical path cross-connect device of FIG. 12, about 49% is reduced.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a main configuration of a conventional hierarchical optical path cross-connect device. The conventional hierarchized optical path cross-connect device shown in FIG. 12 has the same reference numerals as those of parts having the same functions as those of the hierarchized optical path cross-connect device 70 shown in FIG. In the section BXC, K wavelength group switching matrix switches BMS provided corresponding to the K input side optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,... FiK and the output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,. However, in the wavelength cross-connect unit WXC, M wavelength switching matrix switches WMS separate route switching and add / drop switching from each other in that the route switching and add / drop switching are not separated. It is different in that it is not integrated. These K wavelength matrix switching matrix switches BMS and M wavelength switching matrix switches WMS have the number of inputs (number of input wavelength groups or wavelengths + number of added wavelength groups or wavelengths) × number of outputs (number of output wavelength groups). Or the number of wavelengths + addition (drop) wavelength group or number of wavelengths), so it is essentially an unnecessary area of (add wavelength group or number of wavelengths) × (addition (drop) number of wavelength groups or number of wavelengths) Therefore, the K wavelength group switching matrix switches BMS and the M wavelength switching matrix switches WMS are enlarged accordingly.

  As mentioned above, although one Example of this invention was described based on drawing, this invention is applied also in another aspect.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the optical path cross-connect devices 10, 50, 60 having a one-layer configuration that performs cross-connect in the wavelength unit at the wavelength level WLL, and the wavelength group unit and the wavelength unit in the wavelength group level WBL and the wavelength level WLL The optical path cross-connect devices 70 and 80 having a hierarchical (two-layer) configuration in which cross-connects are respectively performed have been described. However, the present invention can be applied even if the device is configured in three or more layers.

  In the optical path cross-connect devices 10, 50, 60, 70, 80 described above, the number of input side optical fibers Fi1, Fi2,... FiK and output side optical fibers Fo1, Fo2,. Wavelength group number M transmitted by one optical fiber, wavelength number N included in one wavelength group, add / drop ratio y between wavelength group level WBL and wavelength level WLL, wavelength level WLL and electrical level EL The add / drop rate z between and can be changed variously as needed.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

10, 50, 60: Optical path cross-connect device 70, 80: Optical path cross-connect device (hierarchical optical path cross-connect device)
BXC: Band cross connect unit WXC: Wavelength cross connect unit Fi1, Fi2,... FiK: Input side optical fiber (input side wavelength group path)
Fo1, Fo2, ... FoK: Output side optical fiber (output side wavelength group path)
MS1: Matrix switch for wavelength drop (input wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch)
MS2: Wavelength path switching matrix switch (input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group wavelength matrix switch)
MS3: Matrix Switch for Wavelength Add (Matrix Switch between Wavelength / Output Wavelength Group)
PS: Optical switch BMS1: Wavelength group drop matrix switch (input wavelength group / drop wavelength group matrix switch)
BMS2: Wavelength group path switching matrix switch (matrix switch between input wavelength group and output wavelength group)
BMS3: Matrix switch for wavelength group addition (matrix switch between added wavelength group and output wavelength group)
WMS1: Wavelength drop matrix switch (drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch)
WMS2: Wavelength path switching matrix switch (drop wavelength group wavelength / addition wavelength group wavelength matrix switch)
WMS3: Matrix switch for wavelength addition (matrix switch between wavelength / wavelength group)

Claims (11)

After reconfiguring each of the plurality of wavelength groups by routing each wavelength constituting each of the plurality of sets of wavelength groups input via the plurality of input side wavelength group paths, The wavelength group is output to a plurality of output-side wavelength group paths, and the drop wavelength is dropped to the electrical layer at a predetermined ratio of the wavelengths constituting the plurality of input wavelength groups, and the wavelength group is reconfigured. An optical path cross-connect device of an optical path network comprising a wavelength cross-connect unit that joins a predetermined percentage of an added wavelength from the electrical layer,
The wavelength cross-connect unit is
An input wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch that switches between each wavelength path that constitutes each of the plurality of sets of input wavelength groups and the predetermined ratio of drop wavelength paths;
Input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix for switching between each wavelength path constituting each of the plurality of sets of input wavelength groups and each wavelength path reconfiguring the plurality of sets of output wavelength groups. A switch,
An added wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch that switches between the path of the added wavelength of the predetermined ratio and the path of each wavelength that reconfigures the plurality of sets of output wavelength groups, and Optical path cross-connect device for optical path network. The number of the input side wavelength group paths and the number of the output side wavelength group paths are respectively K, the number of wavelength groups in one wavelength group path is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add to the electrical layer When the / drop rate is z (where z is 0 to 1),
The input wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch has KMN inputs and zKMN outputs;
The input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch comprises MN matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs;
2. The optical path cross-connect device for an optical path network according to claim 1, wherein said addition wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch has zKMN inputs and KMN outputs. The number of the input side wavelength group paths and the number of the output side wavelength group paths are respectively K, the number of wavelength groups in one wavelength group path is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add to the electrical layer When the / drop rate is z (where z is 0 to 1),
The input wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch comprises MN matrix switches having K inputs and zK outputs;
The input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch comprises MN matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs;
2. The optical path of the optical path network according to claim 1, wherein the matrix switch between the added wavelength / output wavelength groups comprises MN matrix switches having zK inputs and K outputs. Cross-connect device. The number of the input side wavelength group paths and the number of the output side wavelength group paths are respectively K, the number of wavelength groups in one wavelength group path is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the add to the electrical layer / Drop rate is z (where z = 1),
The input wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch consists of KMN switches having one input and two outputs;
The input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch comprises MN matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs;
2. The optical path crossing of an optical path network according to claim 1, wherein the matrix switch between the added wavelength / output wavelength groups is composed of KMN switches having two inputs and one output. Connect device. A plurality of sets of wavelength groups input via a plurality of input side wavelength group paths are routed in units of wavelength groups and output to a plurality of output side wavelength group paths. A band cross-connect unit that drops a predetermined percentage of dropped wavelength groups and joins a predetermined percentage of added wavelength groups to output from any one of the output side wavelength group paths; and the dropped predetermined percentage of dropped wavelength groups A layered optical path cross-connect device of an optical path network comprising a wavelength cross-connect unit configured to route the plurality of wavelengths constituting each wavelength unit and configure the predetermined percentage of added wavelength groups,
The band cross connect part is
An input wavelength group / drop wavelength group matrix switch for switching between the plurality of input wavelength group paths and the path of the drop wavelength group of the predetermined ratio;
An input wavelength group / output wavelength group matrix switch for switching between the plurality of input wavelength group paths and the plurality of output wavelength group paths;
A layered light of an optical path network, comprising: a matrix switch between an added wavelength group and an output wavelength group that switches between the path of the added wavelength group of the predetermined ratio and the plurality of output wavelength group paths Path cross-connect device. The number of the input side wavelength group paths and the number of the output side wavelength group paths are K, the number of wavelength groups in one wavelength group path is M, the number of wavelengths in one wavelength group is N, and the wavelength cross-connect unit When the add / drop ratio for y is y (where y is 0 to 1),
The input wavelength group / drop wavelength group matrix switch has KM inputs and yKM outputs;
The input wavelength group / output wavelength group matrix switch comprises M matrix switches having K inputs and K outputs;
6. The hierarchized optical path cross-connect device for an optical path network according to claim 5, wherein the matrix switch between the added wavelength group / output wavelength group has yKM inputs and KM outputs. The wavelength cross-connect unit is
Drop wavelength group for switching between a path of wavelengths constituting a predetermined number of dropped wavelength groups dropped from the band cross-connect unit to the wavelength cross-connect unit and a predetermined number of dropped wavelength paths dropped to the electrical layer A matrix switch between wavelength / drop wavelength,
A drop wavelength group wavelength / additional wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch that switches between a path of wavelengths constituting the predetermined number of drop wavelength groups and a wavelength path of the predetermined number of added wavelength groups;
An addition wavelength / additional wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch that switches between a path of a predetermined number of added wavelengths from the electrical layer and a path of wavelengths that constitute the predetermined number of added wavelength groups. The hierarchical optical path cross-connect device for an optical path network according to claim 5 or 6. When the add / drop ratio for the electrical layer is z (where z is 0 to 1),
The drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch has yKMN inputs and zyKMN outputs;
The drop wavelength group / additive wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch is composed of N matrix switches having yKM inputs and yKM outputs,
8. The hierarchized optical path cross-connect device for an optical path network according to claim 7, wherein said added wavelength / added wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch has zyKMN inputs and yKMN outputs. When the add / drop ratio for the electrical layer is z (where z = 1),
The drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch comprises yKMN switches having one input and two outputs,
The input wavelength group wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch comprises N matrix switches having yKM inputs and yKM outputs,
8. The hierarchized light of an optical path network according to claim 7, wherein said added wavelength / output wavelength group inter-wavelength matrix switch comprises yKMN switches having two inputs and one output. Path cross-connect device. The matrix switch between the input wavelength group / drop wavelength group is configured by dividing the input wavelength group / drop wavelength group switch into switches of M number of wavelength groups of K input and yKM outputs in one wavelength group path. ,
The addition wavelength group / output wavelength group matrix switch is divided into switches of M number of wavelength groups, K input and yKM output in one wavelength group path among the plurality of input side wavelength group paths. An optical path cross-connect device for an optical path network according to claim 5 or 6, wherein The drop wavelength group wavelength / drop wavelength matrix switch is divided into yKM input and zyKM output switches of N wavelengths in the one wavelength group,
The addition wavelength group / output wavelength group matrix switch is divided into switches of M number of wavelength groups, K input and yKM output in one wavelength group path among the plurality of input side wavelength group paths. 9. The optical path cross-connect device for an optical path network according to claim 8, wherein:

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