Wavelength‐division integration of services in fibre‐optic networks

A flexible fibre‐optic network architecture for the integration of multiple services is proposed and demonstrated. The traffic requirements of each service are addressed by using distinct wavelengths and multiple‐access schemes. The separation of services by wavelength eliminates the need for complex bandwidth allocation and multiplexing techniques. As a consequence of wavelength‐division, the network can be seen as consisting of a collection of subnetworks, each carrying a different service. Different data rates and signal formats are easily accommodated. To the user, however, the integration appears complete.