A WDM cross-connected star topology for multihop lightwave networks

Abstract

The authors propose a star topology for multihop lightwave networks in which the conventional N*N passive star coupler is replaced by fixed wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) cross connects. The proposed topology overcomes three major limitations of the conventional star topology. First, it reduces the number of wavelengths needed in a (p,k) ShuffleNet from kp/sup k+1/ wavelengths in the conventional topology to p wavelengths in the proposed one. Second, the signal power loss due to the 1/N power splitting at the star coupler no longer exists in the WDM cross connects and, therefore, the restriction on the supported number of users by the star network is alleviated. Third, it completely eliminates the need for wavelength filtering at the input to the receivers as is the case in the conventional star topology.