Wavelength conversion of optical signals by all-optical techniques is an innovative and necessary technology for wavelength routed networks in the near future; the cross-gain modulation method is one of the simplest, in form, to attain this goal. Two categories of the main technique are presented: the classic, also known as pump and probe, and a novel one, named cross- gain modulation of the ASE spectrum of a SOA. The cross-gain modulation of the ASE spectrum is explored here as an alternative to previous all-optical wavelength conversion techniques that require another light source, to which the incoming signal is to be converted; the signal is converted from coherent to incoherent light; and, once modulated throughout the SOA`s ASE spectrum, the signal is then filtered at the central wavelength it is desired to be converted. Thus, this particular wavelength converter can be tunable, in the sense that it is reconfigurable, since a band pass filter located at the end of the device selects what wavelength the signal will be converted to. In order to assess the response times of the technique, the conversion is made for ultra short electrical pulses (50 ps), a feature unknown until now.