Cross-connect device and a method for switching using space switching and grouping of channels

摘要

The present invention provides a cross-connect switching device and a method of cross-connect switching of Nf * N1 channels to one of a plurality of output lines of the switching device, Nf * N1 being equal or greater than four. The device and method includes three basic elements:1) a partial demultiplexer for partially demultiplexing the channels on its input lines into groups of channels and individual channels;2) a space switch for switching groups of channels en bloc; and3) a combiner unit for combining individual channels onto one of the output lines of the cross-connect switching device.The cross-connect switching device according to the present invention may be combined with similar or dissimilar switching devices to form a larger switching device.