Wavelength group wavelength converter and wavelength group exchange using the same

摘要

To obtain a wavelength group wavelength converter in which each wavelength group can be switched without decreasing any efficiency of an exchange while a miniaturization and a lower cost are kept. An input wavelength group is demultiplexed into individual wavelengths by an optical demultiplexer. The demultiplexed wavelengths are converted by wavelength converters, and multiplexed into the wavelength group by an optical multiplexer. The optical demultiplexer employs an element (Arrayed-Waveguide Grating or the like) capable of demultiplexing the wavelength groups cyclically, making it possible to convert wavelengths for a wavelength group composed of different wavelengths, whereby it is possible to eliminate a collision between the same wavelength groups at the time of switching each wavelength group in a wavelength group exchange.