Optical path cross-connect system architecture suitable for large scale expansion

This paper proposes, for WPs (wavelength paths) and VWPs (virtual wavelength paths), a new OPXC (optical path cross-connect) architecture suitable for constructing large scale OPXC systems. The architecture is based on the multimodule concept and uses main modules and junction modules. The proposed OPXC is shown to provide triple the throughput of the conventional OPXC (delivery and coupling switch based) assuming state-of-the-art commercially available devices. It allows traffic demand increases to be supported with less OPXC switch hardware compared to the conventional OPXC architecture. The proposed architecture also keeps the advantages of the conventional architecture: a high level of expandability with regard to incoming/outgoing links and upgradability from a WP network to a VWP network. Thus the proposed OPXC architecture is highly flexible and allows minimum investment to encourage introduction while gracefully supporting future system scale expansion with incremental growth matching the traffic demand.