Single-layer optical platform based on WDM/TDM multiple access for large-scale "switchless" networks

The European Union ACTS project SONATA will define and demonstrate a "switc hless" all-optical network to provide a future single-layer, advanced trans port architecture on a national scale. The single-hop, shared-access networ k employs time and wavelength agility (a WDMA/TDMA protocol), using fast tu nable transmitters and receivers to route individual customer connections a s well as bandwidth pipes through a single wavelength router (suitably repl icated for resilience). No electronic switching nodes or cross-connects (te lephony, IP, ATM, SDH) are required within the transport network, nor optic al cross-connects (save the wavelength routing node), thus providing major transport architecture simplifications and hardware reductions. The network is scalable to 200 Tbit/s throughput over 1,000 km, connecting 20 million terminals operating at 622 Mbit/s over 50,000-way split "hyperPONs", by mea ns of 800 WDM channels with 0.05 nm channel spacing (6.25 GHz). Details of network dimensioning, physical layer modeling and network control issues ar e presented.