All-optical packet routing - Architecture and implementation
We report in this paper the architectural design and implementation of all-optical packet networks. Using photonic switches to route information, an all-optical network has the advantages of bit rate, wavelength, and signal format transparencies. Within the transparency distance, the network is capable of handling a widely heterogeneous mix of traffic. We will describe our research on the implementation of all-optical backbone switches. The switch components including frame synchronizers, frame delineation units, frame header over-writing units, wavelength converters, frame concentrators, and WDM buffers were constructed at 2.5 Gb/s. Their subsystem and device structure as well as preliminary performance are reported.
photonic switches all-optical networks and transparency