SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING TRAFFIC IN AN OPTICAL NETWORK

摘要

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for distributing traffic in an optical network is provided. In a particular embodiment, an optical network includes an upstream terminal, a distribution node, and a plurality of downstream terminals. The distribution node in the optical network includes a wavelength router configured to receive wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) traffic in a plurality of wavelengths from the upstream terminal, route the traffic in at least one wavelength to a primary power splitter, and route the traffic in a plurality of other wavelengths for distribution to particular downstream terminals. The distribution node also includes a primary power splitter configured to receive the traffic in the at least one wavelength from the wavelength router, split the received traffic in the at least one wavelength into a plurality of copies, and forward the copies for distribution to all of the downstream terminals.