An OFDM cross-connect demonstrator for flexible optical networks

摘要

Experimental results gained from the operation of an OFDM cross-connect demonstrator over a period of more than 9 months are presented. The cross-connect comprises an optoelectronic frequency conversion stage consisting of optical heterodyne receivers and tunable transmitters and an InP space switching stage based on directional coupler switches. The various subsystems of the demonstrator are fully engineered, control of the demonstrator is performed by a personal computer via IEEE interfaces.