Novel Approach for All-Optical Packet-Switching in Wide-Area Networks

摘要

All-optical Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) networks are believed to be a211u001efundamental component in future high speed backbones. This paper proposes to 211u001eachieve all-optical packet switching in WDM Wide Area Networks (WANs) via a novel 211u001etechnique, called slot routing. Using slot routing, entire slots, each carrying 211u001emultiple packets on distinct wavelengths, are switched transparently and 211u001eindividually. As a result, packets can be optically transmitted and switched in 211u001ethe network using available fast and wavelenth non-sensitive devices. The 211u001eproposed routing technique leads to an optical packet switching solution, that is 211u001esimple, practical, and unique as it makes it possible to build a WDM all-optical 211u001eWAN with optical devices based on proven technologies.