Lynx Photonic Networks to unveil photonic switch arrays

Lynx Photonic Networks, a developer of patented planar waveguide photonic switches and sub-systems, announced its new line of asymmetrical photonic switch arrays. Applications for these switch arrays include OADM (optical add/drop multiplexing) and protection switching.

The Photon.XX family of switch arrays comes in four configurations, including a 1x2:8, 1x2:16, 2x2:8 and 2x2:16. Built-in versatility also allows the 1x2 arrays to be configured as 2x1 arrays.

Similar to the previously announced Photon.8x8 all-optical switch, key features of the new arrays include strictly non-blocking operation, lightning reconfiguration time of less than 2ms, dynamic power control and weighted multicasting. The strictly non-blocking operation of the Photon.1x2:8, Photon.1x2:16, Photon.2x2:8 and the Photon.2x2:16 enables the light to be channeled from any input port to any output port, a critical element for dynamic connectivity.

The switch arrays' transparent operation allows fiber switching a group of wavelengths together (a "band") or individual wavelengths (lambdas). In addition, a reconfiguration time of less than 2ms allows for effective restoration in case of a fiber failure.

The ability to control the power level of each output in situations where, for instance, one wavelength is received at a higher power level than the others, is imperative for efficient EDFA usage (erbium-doped fiber amplifier). The weighted multicasting divides the power of one channel between both channels in any ratio desired for such applications as "drop-and-continue."

"The Lynx Photon.8x8 offers integrated functionality within an all-optical switch module," said Elizabeth Bruce, optical analyst at Aberdeen Group, a research firm based in Boston. "Extending the product family to include switch arrays will provide network equipment vendors with a wide range of products for protection switching, OADM, and network monitoring applications."

The switch arrays will be shown at OFC in Anaheim, Calif., from March 19-21, 2001. Visit Lynx booth No. 3244 for a demonstration of the product.

About Lynx Photonic Networks:

Lynx is an Intelligent Optical Network (ION) Subsystems Company with its own patented optical planar waveguide switching technology. For more information, visit www.LynxPN.com.