TOWARDS AN OPTICAL ETHER

The authors propose a novel technique to exploit the unused bandwidth in optical fibres to develop an optically routed broadband network tha t is potentially deployable on a scale matching that of the UK nationa l network. Furthermore, the techniques proposed allow such a network t o evolve gradually from a few dense wavelength division multiplexed (D WDM) transmission links through sections of optically routed core netw ork to reach finally a fully optically connected 'house to core networ k to house' ATM connection. The design provides for 25 million custome rs with in excess of 3 Mbit/s capacity per customer. The technology pr oposed relies on DWDM transmission and optical space switching without time or wavelength shifting.