Strictly nonblocking 512/spl times/512 optical fiber matrix switch based on three-stage Clos network

Author

Tachikura, Masao ; Katagiri, Toshiaki ; Kobayashi, Hideo

Author_Institution

NTT Telecommun. Field Syst. R&D Center, Ibaraki, Japan

Volume

6

Issue

6

fYear

1994

fDate

6/1/1994 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

764

Lastpage

766

Abstract

This letter describes a novel structure for large-matrix connector-type optical switches. The dimensions of the apparatus designed for 512/spl times/512 switching were 0.8 m/sup W//spl times/0.6 m/sup D//spl times/1.85 m/sup H/. It is based on the three-stage Clos network. Switching is accomplished by the mechanical reconnection of fibers. The fiber tangling is avoided by using an intelligent zigzag transfer method for the connector plugs. The mean insertion loss is less than 1 dB for SM fibers. The most appropriate internal fiber link is chosen by a computer algorithm from all possible candidates. The mean switching time is estimated at about 1 min.<>

Keywords

optical couplers; optical fibres; optical losses; optical switches; 0.6 m; 0.8 m; 1 dB; 1 min; 1.85 m; computer algorithm; connector plugs; fiber tangling; insertion loss; intelligent zigzag transfer; internal fiber link; matrix connector; mechanical fiber reconnection; nonblocking 512/spl times/512 optical fiber matrix switch; single-mode fibers; three-stage Clos network; Connectors; Insertion loss; Optical crosstalk; Optical fiber polarization; Optical fiber subscriber loops; Optical fibers; Optical network units; Optical switches; Plugs; Telecommunication switching;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1041-1135

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/68.300187

Filename

300187