Applications of large-scale optical 3D-MEMS switches in fiber-based broadband-access networks

Applications of non-blocking large-scale optical switches based on three-dimensional micro-electro-mechanical system (3D-MEMS) technology with small size and low power consumption are described for fiber-based broadband access networks. The low-loss and fast-switching 3D-MEMS switches offer remotely reconfigurable and automated operational solutions for access networks such as fiber management, preventative maintenance, monitoring, testing, and troubleshooting of a large number of end customers. Furthermore, the wavelength, data rate, and protocol-transparent nature of 3D-MEMS switches results in a future-proof optical distribution network design for future higher speed and higher capacity wavelength division multiplexing overlay upgrades over the passive optical network (PON). We show that large-scale 3D-MEMS switches deployed in PON environments can offer over an order of magnitude in capital and operational savings in comparison to manual patch panels (in deployed fiber hardware, real estate, and manual labor) with minimal impact on the overall network design.