Abstract

Wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) systems and architectures are being actively investigated for deployment in future high-capacity telecommunication and computer-data networks. WDM networks allow the vast bandwidth of fiber systems to be more effectively used, increasing the information-carrying capacity beyond the limits imposed by the speed of electronic circuits and fiber dispersion on single-wavelength systems. Use of WDM in a network also enhances configurational flexibility because the channel wavelengths themselves may be used as a basis for switching and routing.

© 1994 Optical Society of America