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Dynamically reconfigurable optical packet switch (DROPS)
Optics Express
|June 17, 2009
Summary
A new Dynamically Reconfigurable Optical Packet Switch (DROPS) offers enhanced routing flexibility by combining spectral and spatial switching. This novel approach improves scalability and path recovery for ultra-high capacity optical networks.
Area of Science:
- Optical networking
- Switching technologies
- Telecommunications
Background:
- Arrayed Waveguide Grating Routers (AWGRs) are limited in dynamic routing capabilities.
- Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) offer potential for advanced optical switching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a novel Dynamically Reconfigurable Optical Packet Switch (DROPS).
- To integrate spectral and spatial switching for enhanced optical packet routing.
Main Methods:
- Experimental demonstration of the DROPS architecture.
- Integration of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for spatial switching.
- Testing with 10-Gb/s optical packets.
Main Results:
- The Dynamically Reconfigurable Optical Packet Switch (DROPS) was successfully demonstrated.
- The addition of spatial switching via MEMS enabled dynamic reconfigurability beyond AWGR capabilities.
- Bit-error-rate performance was maintained at 10-Gb/s, indicating no signal degradation.
Conclusions:
- DROPS offers significant advantages over traditional AWGRs, including scalability and flexibility.
- The proposed switch shows promise for versatile and ultra-high capacity optical packet-switched networks.
- Dynamic spatial switching is a viable enhancement for next-generation optical switches.
