Fully-Passive Optical Switch Introducing Dynamicity and Flexibility to Metro-Access

We experimentally demonstrate a tool for dynamic reconfigurability at the physical layer infrastructure through optically powered switches based on micro-opto-electro-mechanical system technology. Energy scavenging at the optical network layer is exploited to feed this switching element. Up to 13 consecutive switching operations are shown for a full energy reservoir in addition to endless continuous switching operation with a recharge time of 24 s between operations for an optical feed of 6 dBm. A fast switching mode with 120 ms is also supported. Crosstalk robustness, penalty-free switching, and compatibility with reflective networking schemes are achieved and guarantee scalable node technology that is, from a network point-of-view, fully passive.