Abstract

An optical passive-star network consists of a number of stations interconnected in a star topology by means of a central passive optical coupler. These networks offer a reliable and inexpensive means for implementation of local-area and room-area networks, multiprocessor interconnection networks, I/O buses, and workstation clusters. Optical subcarrier multiplexing (SCM) provides a means to divide the aggregate bandwidth of the optical medium in an optical passive-star network into multiple channels, each offering a fraction of the aggregate bandwidth. A network testbed to evaluate the SCM technology and its likely applications to computer-system interconnection are the subject of this paper.

© 1991 Optical Society of America