All-optical label swapping networks and technologies

All-optical label swapping is a promising approach to ultra-high packet-rat e routing and forwarding directly in the optical layer. In this paper, we r eview results of the DARPA Next Generation Internet program in all-optical label swapping at University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB), We desc ribe the overall network approach to encapsulate packets; with optical labe ls and process forwarding and routing functions independent of packet bit r ate and format. Various approaches to label coding using serial and subcarr ier multiplexing addressing and the associated techniques for label erasure and rewriting, packet regeneration and packet-rate wavelength conversion a re reviewed. These functions have been implemented using both fiber and sem iconductor-based technologies and the ongoing effort at UCSB to integrate t hese functions is reported. We described experimental results for various c omponents and label swapping functions and demonstration of 40 Gb/s optical label swapping, The advantages and disadvantages of using the various codi ng techniques and implementation technologies are discussed.