Channel switching between receivers of FDM coherent optical star network

The authors present channel switching results obtained between receivers of an FDM optical coherent fibre star network. The system consists of six optical channels FSK-modulated at 200 Mbit/s and spaced by 2.2 GHz. The channels are multiplexed by a 16*16 optical star coupler. Two of the multichannel signals exiting this device are demultiplexed by their respective random access digitally tuned heterodyne receivers. Simultaneous switching between pairs of channels is obtained by command of a personal computer controlling both receivers.<>