Multi-function all optical packet switch by periodic wavelength arrangement in an arrayed waveguide grating and...

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Communications
• Telecommunications Engineering
• Computer Engineering

Background:

• Optical packet switching (OPS) is crucial for high-speed networks.
• Existing OPS architectures often face complexity and high component counts.
• Efficient routing and buffering are key challenges in optical networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel multi-function all-optical packet switching (OPS) architecture.
• To reduce the complexity and number of active optical components in OPS.
• To achieve versatile packet switching and buffering functions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the cyclic filtering function of an NxN arrayed waveguide grating (AWG).
• Applying a periodical wavelength arrangement between the AWG and wideband optical filters.
• Employing a single tunable wavelength converter at the input port.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated a novel multi-function OPS architecture.
• Achieved arbitrary packet switching and buffering.
• Demonstrated first-in-first-out (FIFO) packet multiplexing, demultiplexing, and add/drop multiplexing.

Conclusions:

• The proposed OPS architecture offers simplified traffic control and reduced component count.
• The novel design enables multiple essential packet switching and buffering functions.
• This architecture presents a promising solution for future high-capacity optical networks.