Mesh Network Building Block

Single-mode Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed (DWDM) optical networks are emerging as a leading solution for data communication links in avionic systems. These DWDM networks provide the promise of upgrade capability to hundreds of independent wavelengths over the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) C-band, L-band, and possibly X-band or beyond, each capable of carrying an independent application. One key element for these optical links is a seamless backbone connection which combines a high degree of optical functionality transparency (eliminate or minimize Optical–Electrical-Optical conversions) for signal routing on and off the backbone network and possibly to generate and receive those signals within the backbone network. This proposal marries four key entities coming together to study and solve this problem (1) network simulation expertise, (2) system integrator expertise, (3) fiber-optic hardware/software expertise and (4) fiber-optic integration expertise.