A Single-Star Multi-Ring Structure of Self-Healing Wavelength Division Multiplexing Optical Access Network

Abstract A simple single-star multi-ring structure of multi-wavelength optical access network for enlarging network scale and protecting distribution fiber is presented. In this scheme, the ring structure enables optical network units to switch automatically to a protection link when the distribution fiber fails, and a star structure is adopted to weaken the sphere of the distribution fiber failure's influence. The simple combination of these two structures greatly increases the number of subscribers and minimizes costs of network. The network's survivability can also be better than that of a star network or ring network. In addition, it can easily be upgraded from an existing star network, so this article also proposes a method to update the existing star network. The simulation result shows the structure is of good performance.