ONE-DIMENSIONAL OPTICAL DATA ARRAYS IMPLEMENTED WITHIN OPTICAL NETWORKS

摘要

An optical network is provided at a lowered cost and improved data throughput due to adoption herein of laser and receiver arrays in lieu of discrete transmitters and receivers. The arrays are referred to as one-dimensional optical data arrays. Preferably, the network includes optical network units that return a portion of the signals they receive in a looped-back mode. The returned portion, which may or may not be remodulated at the optical network unit, acts as a substantially continuous test to verify the optical integrity of the system.