Lightpath (optical network)

This article is about lightpaths in optical networks. For other uses, see Lightpath.

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 throttling by intermediate electronic conversions and processing.^[1] Where a lightpath passes through an Optical add-drop multiplexer (OADM) is known as a cut-through lightpath. Where a lightpath is added or dropped at an OADM, it 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 may be referred to as a semi-lightpath.^[3]

See also

• Wavelength switched optical network
• Multicast lightpaths
• Network Description Language