Lightpath (optical network)
Path between two nodes in an optical network
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In optical networking, a lightpath is a path between two nodes in an optical network between which light passes through unmodified.
Description
When a lightpath can be established between source and destination node endpoints, the connection is totally optical and avoids bandwidth throttling by intermediate electronic conversions and processing.[1] A lightpath passing through an optical add-drop multiplexer (OADM) is known as a cut-through lightpath. A lightpath added or dropped at an OADM is known as an added/dropped lightpath.[2]
Semi-lightpath
Where endpoints are connected by a series of lightpaths with the intermediate nodes only changing the light wavelength at the junctions, this[clarification needed] may be referred to as a semi-lightpath.[3]
See also
- Wavelength switched optical network
- Multicast lightpaths
- Network Description Language