Design of an optical cross-connect architecture

This paper describes the design of an optical cross-connect (OXC). The OXC is designed to offer 4 sets of input and output fiber ports with each fiber transporting four multiwavelength signals. The OXC features modularity in wavelength. Commercial 1×4 mechanical optical switches have been used as the switching elements. Additional features of the OXC include the ability of being upgraded from the wavelength path to the virtual wavelength path and its all-optical nature