Terminology for photonic matrix switches

A classification scheme is suggested here for matrix switches that use photonic principles, generally for broadband signal routing. The classification considers three independent properties, providing for a large number of categories with properties that differ in identifiable ways. Salient properties of each class are noted. Matrices are classified in the following ways: according to the switching principles used i.e. optical or optoelectronic; according to the multiplexing system used in the switch i.e. space division, modulation division or carrier division; and according to the optical configuration of the switched systems, i.e. centrally switched, optically extended or distributed. Examples of the various types are given