INTEGRATED ASSEMBLY FOR SWITCHING OPTICAL SIGNALS

摘要

An integrated assembly for switching optical signals. The integrated assembly includes two subassemblies. For instance, the subassemblies might be a shelf assembly and the integrated assembly might be a rack assembly in which the shelf assemblies are connected. Each of the subassemblies includes optical interfaces configured to support communication of optical channels to and from the integrated assembly using the corresponding subassembly. Each subassembly might also include multiple switch fabric assemblies each including a switching mechanism. An inter-subassembly communication interface is provided between each subassembly. An optical signal may be switched from one of the subassemblies (e.g., one of the shelves) to another even though there is no intervening switching circuitry in between the different subassemblies. Instead, the switching operation is distributed between the subassemblies.

主权项

1. An integrated assembly for switching optical signals, the integrated assembly comprising:
a first subassembly comprising 1) a first plurality of optical interfaces configured to support communication of optical channels to and from the integrated assembly using the first subassembly, and 2) a first plurality of switch fabric assemblies each comprising a switching mechanism; a second subassembly comprising 1) a second plurality of optical interfaces configured to support communication of optical channels to and from the integrated assembly using the second subassembly, and 2) a second plurality of switch fabric assemblies each comprising a switching mechanism; and an inter-subassembly communication interface between the first and second subassemblies, wherein the inter-subassembly communication interface does not include a dedicated switch fabric assembly; wherein an optical signal received at the integrated assembly at the first subassembly is switchable to an optical channel from the integrated assembly at the second subassembly using one or more switch fabric assemblies in at least one of the first subassembly or the second subassembly and by channeling a representation of the optical signal through the inter-subassembly communication interface, and without using a switch fabric assembly outside of the first and second subassemblies.