Design of a core switch for an optical transparent packet network

Design guidelines are given to dimension large switches in the optical pack et network environment developed in the framework of the ACTS project KEOPS (KEys to Optical Packet Switching). Different possible choices in the arch itecture and operation of the switch are proposed according to the photonic technology availability. Simulation and analytical tools are used to evalu ate switch performance and they have been applied to find out suitable swit ch configurations that meet packet loss requirements. Results and applicati on examples are given to show the feasibility of a packet switch for high-s peed photonic transport with the available technology.