US Patent 7088882 Wavelength cross-connect

A wavelength cross connect is provided in which wavelength channels are individually switchable from one of a first set of ports to one of a second set of ports. Add and drop capability is provided on the sets of ports. Some embodiments feature a single row of ports, while others feature two dimensional arrays of ports. Some embodiments employ one dispersive element per port, and others employ one dispersive element per row of ports. Embodiments featuring transmissive and non-transmissive switching elements are provided.