The present invention relates to a dispersion compensating module or the like
having a simple and compact structure. The dispersion compensating module comprises
a plurality of dispersion compensators between its input and output ends and at
least one or more optical switches disposed between these dispersion compensators.
Each of the optical switches acquires signals reached from its first port and is
switching-controlled so that the signals are outputted from one of its second and
third ports. The dispersion compensating module controls the port switching operation
of at least one of the optical switches, thereby adjusting the propagation line
of the signals, i.e., the dispersion compensation amount. In this manner, the dispersion
of the signals which reached the input end of the dispersion compensating module
is compensated for by an amount determined in accordance with the installation
position of the optical switch in which port switching is to be performed, and
the dispersion-compensated signals are outputted from the output end of the dispersion
compensating module.
