All-optical routing using wavelength recognizing switches

This paper presents system considerations for optical packet-switched networks using a wavelength recognizing switch (WRS) device for all-optical control and routing. Networks with the WRS device are capable of truly all-optical routing; the packet header is processed in the optical domain. This unique feature allows the self-routing of optical packets in a flexible and dynamically reconfigurable way, but introduces new challenges for the network architect. Our novel architecture combines the use of the WRS with arrayed waveguide devices in a powerful addressing mode. In this paper we explore some of the system issues, including crosstalk, noise performance, cascadability. We present experimental data on a broad-area WRS device we fabricated and assess the feasibility of an integrated version of the device.