A Linear Lightwave MAN Architecture

A new type of architecture for an optical Metropolitan Area Network is described, based on establishing controllable, optically transparent paths among network users. The networks in question perform only linear operations on optical signals (power combining, splitting and linear amplification), essentially operating as a dynamically controlled “ether” within which light beams are selectively directed between prescribed source-destination pairs on demand. Because they are controllable, they are capable of being reconfigured in response to changing load conditions or component failures.