NETWORK SWITCH EMPLOYING ONE OR MORE MULTI-ENDPOINT OPTICAL TRANSCEIVERS

摘要

We disclose a network switch having one or more multi-endpoint (MEP) optical transceivers configured to provide an interface for optical data transport through the corresponding network. The use of MEP optical transceivers advantageously enables the network switch to be compatible with multiple network topologies. As a result, various embodiments of the disclosed network switch may be used to provide a builder and/or an operator of the corresponding network with a great deal of flexibility in choosing a network topology and/or degree of redundancy better suitable for the network's intended purpose and/or application without having to change some of the underlying hardware.