Learn about optical switches, devices that selectively transfer optical signals between ports. Understand how they enable flexible routing in fiber optic networks.
Table of Contents
Question
What is an optical switch?
A. A device that selectively transfers an optical signal from one port to another.
B. A device that groups multiple lambdas in one multiplexed signal.
C. A device that selectively transfers an optical ODU frame from one port to another.
D. A device that converts optical signal to electrical to allow switching through the electrical matrix, and then again to optical towards the next card (and versa).
Answer
A. A device that selectively transfers an optical signal from one port to another.
Explanation
An optical switch is a device that selectively transfers an optical signal from one port to another, making it possible to flexibly route light paths through an optical network.
The key function of an optical switch is to take an incoming optical signal on one port and send it out through another port. This allows the optical signal path to be dynamically reconfigured as needed. For example, an optical switch could direct a signal coming in on port 1 to go out port 3, and later reconfigure this to send the signal from port 1 out port 5 instead.
Some key characteristics of optical switches:
- They operate entirely in the optical domain, meaning the signal stays in optical form and is not converted to electrical. This allows very high bandwidth.
- Switching is done by mechanically steering mirrors or other mechanisms to redirect the light beam from an input port to the desired output port. No conversion to electrical signals occurs.
- Port configurations can range from simple 1×2 (1 input, 2 outputs) to large NxN arrays with many input and output ports for complex switching.
- Switching time is on the order of milliseconds, fast enough for dynamic light path provisioning but slower than electrical switches.
So in summary, an optical switch is a critical component enabling flexible, reconfigurable fiber optic networks by allowing light paths to be dynamically rerouted entirely in the optical domain. The ability to selectively transfer optical signals between ports is their key functionality.
Therefore, the correct answer is A. A device that selectively transfers an optical signal from one port to another.
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