A wavelength division multiple access network for computer communication

A first-generation design, called Rainbow, for optical wavelength division multiaccess (WDMA) computer networks is described. The Rainbow research prototype takes the form of a direct detection, circuit-switched metropolitan-area-network (MAN) backbone consisting of 32 IBM PD/2's as gateway stations, communicating with each other at 200-Mb/s data rates and submillisecond switching times. The prototype architectural options for realizing WDMA networks are discussed, along with reasons for choosing this design point. Experimental measurements on the prototype are presented. Ways of extending this prototype to more stations, higher bit rates, and faster setup times are given.>