The WaveReady™ 2000 series BrightSwitch 1 x 2 module uses low-loss optical switching technology to provide economical protection against fiber cuts and failures. It implements redundant path protection for asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), Internet protocol (IP), and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) transmission systems.

BrightSwitch operation is independent of rate, format, and wavelength, making it a universal solution for all types of transmission equipment. At the transmit end, a 50:50 optical splitter divides the signal for transmission on primary and secondary paths. At the receive end, BrightSwitch monitors optical power levels on the primary and secondary paths, then compares these levels to a stored threshold. When the primary link power level drops below threshold, BrightSwitch alarms and automatically switches traffic to the secondary link. The switch occurs in less than 25 ms.

The BrightSwitch 1 x 2 module includes substantial configuration and diagnostic capabilities, which are accessible through Transaction Language 1 (TL1) and menu mode interfaces. Light emitting diodes indicate the currently active link and the status of the primary and secondary links' optical power levels. Power levels are set with a manual push-button.