Abstract

In many proposed all-optical networks¹ the path of a signal is determined by an action of the transmitter, such as the choice of one of many available wavelengths or one of many fibers.² The signal is then transported by a network, which often is not dynamically configurable, although it can contain frequency- selective splitters, combiners, frequency changers, etc. The receiver selects the desired signal by tuning to a wavelength or connecting to a liber. Such networks keep the control at the periphery of the network and appear to make best use of the capabilities of optics, i.e., transport in the network core, and of electronics, i.e., control at the periphery.

© 1994 Optical Society of America