On multi-lambda packet labeling for metropolitan and wide-area optical networks

Bit-asynchronous optical packet-switched networks are seen as viable candid ates for Metropolitan areas. For such networks we are proposing labeling of the optical packets based on multidimensional headers constructed by using a combination of two or more physical properties like time, wavelength, su b-carried frequency, or polarization state. The resulting header can be pro cessed using slower electronics than the line rate without any sacrifice of the information transfer rate and with higher immunity with respect to deg radation of the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR). Packet identification as well as header-payload separation is achieved using passive devices. Th is method for constructing and switching information as well as transportin g frames offers potential speed processing gains over the binary case as we ll as improvements on bit-error rate versus OSNR. The feasibility of using headers constructed by combination of wavelength and in terms of dispersion and spectral efficiency is established as a function of bit-rate and dista nce. Finally a generic architecture for a suitable optical packet add/drop node is described.