Transparent optical packet switching: network architecture anddemonstrators in the KEOPS project

摘要

This paper reviews the work carried out in the ACTS KEOPS (Keys tonOptical Packet Switching) project, describing the results obtained tondate. The main objective of the project is the definition, development,nand assessment of optical packet switching and routing networks, capablenof providing transparency to the payload bit rate, using optical packetsnof fixed duration and low bit rate headers in order to enable easiernprocessing at the network/node interfaces. The feasibility of the KEOPSnconcept is assessed by modeling, laboratory experiments, and testbednimplementation of optical packet switching nodes and network/nodeninterfacing blocks, including a fully equipped demonstrator. Thendemonstration relies on advanced optoelectronic components, developednwithin the project, which are described