PHOTONIC INTERMODULE CONNECTOR USING 8X8 OPTICAL SWITCHES FOR NEAR-FUTURE ELECTRONIC SWITCHING SYSTEMS

A photonic inter-module connector for near-future electronic switching systems is demonstrated through the use of silica-based 8 X 8 optical switches. A small-scale switch matrix is sufficient because the near- future systems will consist of a limited number of modules. If an acti ve module is affected by a fatal fault or accident, a stand-by module must quickly take its place. The experimental photonic inter-module co nnector can switch 156-Mbit/s photonic interconnections between seven subscriber-line-concentrator modules and eight circuit-switching modul es.