The underlying transmission support is optical fibre-based. The IPUs have to perform decision-making functions, e.g., routing, control, scheduling, etc., functions. The IPUs may be implemented using pure electrical, joint electrical and optical, or pure optical technologies.
All optical networks are desirable.
However, decision-making in the optical domain can be quite complex, requiring effective and efficient active optoelectronic devices. The Chairholder is expected to be an expert in high-speed communications networks with an international reputation. The Chairholder will ideally be a tenured senior academic faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The expectation is that, at the time of appointment, the candidate must have significant experience in teaching, research and service, commensurate with that of a senior Professor. The Chair holder will be eligible for additional consulting from Nortel Networks, or Nortel Networks Institute over the life of the Chair.