Managing channels with different wavelengths in optical networks

Abstract

An arrayed waveguide grating may include a plurality of waveguides, each associated with a different channel in a wavelength division multiplexed system. Each incoming signal channel in a node of a wavelength division multiplexed network may be of an arbitrary wavelength and is provided to one of the wavelength converters attached on the arrayed waveguide grating. Each converter also receives one of blank light channels of different wavelengths on a grid. The converters convert each of the incoming wavelength signals to one of the distinct new wavelength signals on the grid of wavelengths, and these new wavelength signals are multiplexed into a fiber.

1 . A method comprising: 
 providing a plurality of channels of wavelength division multiplexed signals to a plurality of converters, each associated with a waveguide of an arrayed waveguide grating;    providing each converter with one continuous wave light channels on a grid of distinct wavelengths; and    converting the channels of each wavelength division multiplexed signal to one of the wavelengths of the grid.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein providing a plurality of channels of wavelength division multiplexed signals includes providing at least two channels with the same wavelength.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  including forming an arrayed waveguide grating integrated with wavelength converters in the same substrate.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein providing each converter with one of a grid of distinct wavelengths includes providing an array of continuous wave lasers to produce said grid of distinct wavelengths.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein converting the channels includes converting the channels using a PIN diode detector and PIN diode modulator.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein converting the channels includes modulating a blank light with a subsequently multiplexed plurality of signals.  
   
   
       7 - 17 . (canceled)