Multiple packet recirculation in an optical buffer using a crosspoint switch

Abstract

Multiple recirculations through an optical buffer using a fast-reconfigurable AVC based Crosspoint switch matrix is shown. A 10Gbit/s payload is used and a small power penalty for each additional recirculation is achieved.

Comparison of switching properties between 10 Gb/s RZ and NRZ signal format utilizing 4 × 4 optical crosspoint switch matrix

“…Several advantages of the OXS matrix have been verified by the previous demonstrations [2][3][4][5][6][7], such as the high switch-on speed (Ͻ 1.5 ns), compact size (500 ϫ 500 m/switch), low cross-talk (ϽϪ60 dB) and high potential of port scalability [2,3]. Several applications of OXS have been successfully demonstrated including unicast switching [3], 1 ϫ 3 and 2 ϫ 4 multicast switching [4 -6] and optical buffer based on re-circulating loops [7], clearly validating that OXS to be a promising switch fabric/ functionality for future packet switching networks.…”

“…Several applications of OXS have been successfully demonstrated including unicast switching [3], 1 ϫ 3 and 2 ϫ 4 multicast switching [4 -6] and optical buffer based on re-circulating loops [7], clearly validating that OXS to be a promising switch fabric/ functionality for future packet switching networks.…”

“…Labels are received and can be swapped at every node in the core network, while the payload information is transparently forwarded with possible wavelength conversion. The 4 ϫ 4 optical crosspoint switch (OXS) matrix based on integrated active vertical coupler (AVC) has been investigated in Bristol over recent years as a promising switch fabric for future packet switching networks [2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

Experimental characteristics of optical crosspoint switch matrix and its applications in optical packet switching

“…We have in recent years worked on an optical crosspoint switch (OXS) matrix based on integrated active vertical coupler (AVC) as a promising switch fabric for future packet switching networks [5]- [9]. Exploiting the directional coupling between the passive waveguide (PW) in the bottom layer and the AVC in the upper layer, our OXS has several advantages such as the high switching-on speed (< 1.5 ns), compact size (500 × 500 µm/switch), low crosstalk (< −50 dB), and high potential of port scalability [5], [6].…”

“…Exploiting the directional coupling between the passive waveguide (PW) in the bottom layer and the AVC in the upper layer, our OXS has several advantages such as the high switching-on speed (< 1.5 ns), compact size (500 × 500 µm/switch), low crosstalk (< −50 dB), and high potential of port scalability [5], [6]. Several applications of OXS have been successfully demonstrated including 4 × 4 unicast switching [6], lossless multicast switching up to 2 × 4 [7], [8], and optical buffer based on recirculating loops [9], clearly validating the OXS as a promising switch fabric providing rich functionalities for future packet switching networks. However, so far, research on OXS has been focused on the packet switching for the nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) payload, narrow wavelength range, and mostly on one-stage switching.…”