An expandable architecture for large photonic switching networks

A new architecture for photonic switching networks composed of n/spl times/n photonic switches and 1/spl times/k photonic splitters and combiners is proposed. This architecture makes it possible to smoothly expand the capacity of a network without affecting existing cabling. The proposed expansion method enables one to construct non-blocking and rearrangeable switching fabrics, whose cost approaches the theoretical minimum over a wide range of capacities.