An optical carrier drop/add transmission system and method for adding a signal
to multiplexed input optical signals conveyed by an optical multiplex input line.
The multiplexed input optical signals are demultiplexed to provide isolated input
optical signals to an optical switch matrix comprising switches in an array of
lines and columns, the isolated input optical signals being inputted in a direction
parallel to a line of switches in the optical switch matrix. The added optical
signal is input in a direction parallel to a column in the optical switch matrix.
An output line is selected and the switch that is on the column on which the added
optical signal is inputted and on the selected output line is switched.
