This paper describes a novel, hierarchical network architecture, in which the concepts of MPLS are utilized as a unified switching/routing scheme covering the entire network while supporting IP and allowing a seamless migration towards an all-optical Internet. We consider traffic aggregation that can ensure packet format and bit rate adaptation between different portions of networks. Furthermore, the hierarchical network concept presented is inherently scalable due to its support for topology aggregation, which can be utilized by routing protocols and used for traffic engineering schemes. This architecture thus ensures interoperability among optical and electrical packet switching and allows for a seamless migration towards an all-optical Internet.
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