An architecture for a wavelength-interchanging cross-connect utilizing parametric wavelength converters

This paper proposes an architecture for wavelength-interchanging cross-conn ect (WIXC) that can be used as a switching node of strictly transparent and scalable networks with all-optical routing and all-optical wavelength conv ersion capabilities. This architecture utilizes all-optical parametric wave length converters based on difference-frequency-generation (DFG) or four-wa ve mixing (FWM), although this work focuses only on the implementation usin g Difference-Frequency-Generation wavelength converters. The proposed WIXC architecture exploits the unique wavelength mapping properties of parametri c wavelength converters: mirror image mapping and simultaneous multichannel wavelength conversion. The derivation of this architecture involves applic ation of a Space/Wavelength transformation to the classical Benes switch fa bric. The connection setup for the resulting architecture follows the well established looping algorithm, and the architecture is scalable in both the ports and the wavelengths. The scaling occurs in an orderly fashion, which allows modular upgrades of WIXC's for cost-effective evolution of the netw orks, The unique properties of the parametric wavelength converter includin g transparent and multichannel conversion capabilities result in a WIXC arc hitecture that requires fea er wavelength converters while maintaining scal ability and transparency.