Hardware-based control unit for all-optical components

As more intelligence and control mechanisms are added to optical networks, the deployment of an efficient and secure management system, using Suitable control and monitoring methods, is highly desirable. Whilst some of the available management mechanisms are applicable to different types of network architectures, many of these are not adequate for All-Optical Networks (AONs). An important implication of using AON components in communication systems is that available methods that are used to manage and monitor the health of the network may no longer be appropriate. Therefore, without additional control mechanisms a break in the core of an optical network might not be detectable. In this paper we propose a novel hardware-based control unit that can participate in some tasks for fault management of AONs. We present the key functionality of this device focusing particularly on its performance evaluation and cost analysis. We conclude the paper with a discussion concerning the applicability and implementation of this device in AON management systems.