Wavelength Division Multiplexed Local Area Networks Using Low-Cost Optoelectronics

We propose the use of multi-mode, multi-wavelength, vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays in high-speed optoelectronic multi-chip modules (OE-MCM’s) and multi-mode fibers for multi Gbyte/s WDM enterprise Networks to deliver 1 Gb/s to the desktop. Using this approach, we will construct point-to-point links using 4 and 8 channels operating at 622 Mb/s to 2.4Gb/s per channel over more than 500 meter distance. More advanced switched networks, in which wavelength is used as a switching parameter, will also be constructed.