OPTICAL-PATH CROSS-CONNECT NODE ARCHITECTURES FOR PHOTONIC TRANSPORT NETWORK

This paper explores the optical path cross-connect (OPXC) node archite ctures that are essential components of the optical path network, Opti cal path technologies will play a kev role in the development of the p latform on which the future bandwidth abundant B-ISDN should be create d, This paper highlights the wavelength path (WP) and the virtual wave length path (VWP) technologies, both of which can greatly enhance the path layer capability and the efficiency of network failure restoratio n. The OPXC, which handles optical paths, is constructed with an optic al switching network Various WDM-based switching networks, which are a imed at LAN applications, have been reported. On the other hand, few W DM-based switching networks for OPXC systems, which are applicable to the nationwide transport network, have been proposed, In this paper, w e elucidate the functional conditions required to construct OPXC nodes for WP and VWP global networks. Next, we assess switching network arc hitectures for their applicability to the transport network, It is sho wn that the OPXC architecture based on DC-switches (delivery and coupl ing switches) is superior to the other OPXC architectures in terms of optical losses, modularity, and upgradability. Finally, detailed evalu ations of the DC-switch-based OPXC node are presented that confirm its feasibility.