Abstract
We have developed an arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) with a wavelength-routing function and have built a prototype system called AWG-STAR (wavelength routing star network) for a photonic network. The system's logical topology is a 32×32 full mesh that uses 32 wavelengths, while its physical topologyis a WDM star network with a wavelength-routing AWG at its center. It works independently of the protocol and bit rate of the data. (Gbit Ethernet, OC-4 ATM, HD-SDI, and 10-Gbit's random data can be transported without interference.) A wavelength is assigned to each node, and data are routed to the nodes according to the assigned wavelengths.
