Hierarchichal WDM wavebanding implementation exploiting the free spectral range of arrayed waveguide gratings

We present a novel multiplexing approach for two stage multiplexed, or hierarchical, WDM networks, consisting on the definition of wavelength bands using the periodical response of an arrayed waveguide grating. The approach is advantageous in terms of node design cost reduction, simplified operation and easy upgradability. An experiment demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed node architecture.