Backplane for a data communication system, a data communication system, a host and a method of communication

摘要

The present invention relates to a backplane for a data communication system. The backplane includes ports each for connection to a respective circuit, a common communication channel in communication with each of the ports for transmission of a multiplexed optical signal, and a tuned or tuneable coupler associated with at least one of the ports for selecting in use from the multiplexed signal an optical signal at a wavelength to which the respective coupler is tuned. Selective optical communication between the at least one port and another of the ports via the communication channel is thereby enabled.