network element for signals of optical transport networks (otn)

摘要

The mappers (21,24,27) synchronize the received optical communication signals, such that the signals have internal clock rate. The serial/parallel converters (32,35,38) convert the signals into a specified number of parallel signals. A synchronous electrical switching matrix operates at the internal clock rate for switching parallel signals between different ports. An Independent claim is included for asynchronous optical communication signal switching method.