Subarrier multiplexing based signaling and access control in optical FDM networks

A framework for subcarrier-multiplexing-based signaling and access control in optical FDM networks is presented. Fundamental node functions in optical FDM networks including channel selection, cross-connect, and add/drop are proposed. Furthermore, a subcarrier-controlled optical add/drop multiplexer is experimentally demonstrated. It is composed of an arrayed-waveguide-grating (AWG) and optical switches driven by subcarrier-multiplexed control signals. Finally, issues on multigigabit network applications are discussed.