Abstract
We propose a network structure for routing optical packets based on
binary multiwavelength labels. We resolve the main drawbacks of previously
proposed optical label switching scenarios: high splitting loss and complex,
expensive hardware. In our scheme, the label is mapped bit-by-bit to a selection
of wavelength bins. Variable-length packets are self-forwarded via a multistage
switch. This structure is scalable, high-speed, simple, practical, and low-cost,
exploiting the workhorses of today's optical communications systems: arrayed
waveguide gratings, distributed feedback lasers, ${\rm LiNbO}_{3}$ switches, and low-speed
photodiodes and electronics ($\sim
{\hbox {100}}\,{\hbox {MHz}}$). We also propose a solution
to alleviate the sophisticated label swapping processing required in generalized
multiprotocol label switching (GMPLS) networks. We time-multiplex the binary
multiwavelength labels for the entire optical label switching path. We examine
the performance of both schemes experimentally by verifying successful routing
and error-free transmission.
© 2009 IEEE
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