Crosstalk effects in optical time division multiplexed switching networks

The nature of crosstalk arising in OTDM switching networks is investigated and a novel classification containing three distinct forms is proposed. In particular incoherent beat noise crosstalk may induce large power penalties and bit error rate floors, as observed in a three crosspoint time slot interchanger. Excellent crosspoint isolation (<-15 dB) will therefore be essential if larger networks are to be realised in the future