Multicast optical switch（MCS）is based on PLC technology and MEMS technology，which can route any optical input to any output. It is a key component in the next generation of Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) system.

What is ROADM?

ROADM is one of the Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers (OADMs) that add or remove one or more optical signals from wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transmission network link. The device can be used in Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) systems. It allows for remote configuration and reconfiguration and can redirect add/drop signal wavelength. That is to say, in the middle of the network line, the wavelength of the add or drop signal can be redistributed to achieve flexible network configuration.

Multicast optical switch（MCS）is one of the core devices in the reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplex system. Coupled with the wavelength selective switch (WSS), Multicast switches are designed to be used in a next-generation ROADM node to achieve wavelength independent, direction independent, and no conflicts. Directing any wavelength to any port is the wavelength independent; Accepting input wavelength channels from multiple different directions is the direction independent; Ability to drop two identical wavelengths from different directions through the same switch is the no conflicts. This is of great significance for achieving flexibility and low cost of network construction.

The structure of MCS

As shown in the figure, two independent MCS units are integrated into a single module; Each unit is composed of M independent 1x16 PLC Splitters and N independent 1x8 MEMS optical switches. M×N MCS helps to route optical direction from N add(or drop) to M ports.

With the continuous expansion of network scale and the increasing demand for cross nodes and capacity of upper and lower channels, WSS+MCS will be a smarter choice for a new generation of CDC-ROADM by telecom operators and system operators. Simple, flexible and unrestricted network resource allocation capabilities, and greatly reduce the operating costs of operators.

HYC Co., Ltd（HYC）is a national Hi-tech optoelectronics company engaged in R&D, manufacture, and marketing of fiber optical products. Providing professional product and service for fiber connectivity, WDM, PLC splitter, and high-density datacom cabling. HYC products and solutions widely applied in 4G/5G, Data Center and Cloud Computing industry, etc.

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