摘要:
Method and apparatus for performing group switching in DWDM optical networks are described. One embodiment is an N×N three-stage group connector with N inputs and N outputs, wherein the N outputs are divided into r output groups, each group including n outputs such that r=N/n. The group connector comprises a first stage comprising r n×m crossbar switch modules, wherein m≧n−1; a second stage comprising m r×r crossbar switch modules; and a third stage comprising r M×N concentrator switch modules.