N x N optical interconnection network with reduced length

N × N Multistage Interconnection Networks are generally constituted by arrays of 2 × 2 switches linked together by some types of 'shuffle networks'. The number of stages necessary to obtain all the possible input-output links, is proportional to log2N. This number limits the dimensions of optical networks implemented on LiNbO3 crystals, because the length of the electrooptic switching elements cannot be reduced under a few millimeters. In order to link a number of users more than 8, a different architecture must be used. It is composed of α × β switching elements with α = 2ν and β = 2μ with μ ≠ ν. This reduces the overall network length by lowering the number of stages, even if the transversal dimension is slightly increased. In the paper the architecture of such a shuffle network is presented and its performance, in terms of networks power loss and crosstalk, is evaluated.