Passive filterless core networks based on advanced modulation and electrical compensation technologies

Abstract

In this paper, the filterless optical network concept is presented and explored through a number of filterless solution examples. In the first part, the filterless network concept is presented and analyzed through a comparative case study. In the second part, the filterless network design problem is defined and a filterless network design tool based on metaheuristics is presented. In the third part of this presentation, filterless network solutions are proposed for a number of core network topologies and compared to active photonic network solutions from the point of view of cost and performance. The results show that cost-effective filterless solutions can be found for different network sizes and topologies. The results of a comparative study show that filterless networks represent a cost-effective and reliable alternative to active optical switching network solutions.

Programmable Adaptive BVT for Future Optical Metro Networks Adopting SOA-Based Switching Nodes

“…As losses due to the network elements can be compensated thanks to the presence of SOAs, this switching option can be envisioned also for applications in filterless optical networks. This would represent a cost-effective solution [15], as active reconfigurable components are eliminated or minimized using passive optical elements as combiners or/and splitters to interconnect the fiber links and to add or drop channel wavelengths at the nodes. Some advantages are expected for these networks such as simplified maintenance or reconfigurability.…”

“…In particular, we consider an SOA-based switching node with and without filtering elements. In the last case, the switching functionalities are performed by the SOAs and can also find application in filterless optical networks [15]. Filterless optical networks are simple network architectures based on passive splitters and combiners avoiding optical filters.…”

“…Filterless optical networks are simple network architectures based on passive splitters and combiners avoiding optical filters. Thus, they are more cost-effective than networks adopting filters; however, some functionalities are limited, such as wavelength reuse or capacity at high utilization rates [8,15]. In [15], a comparison between the filterless option and active switching, in terms of cost and performance, is provided.…”

“…Thus, they are more cost-effective than networks adopting filters; however, some functionalities are limited, such as wavelength reuse or capacity at high utilization rates [8,15]. In [15], a comparison between the filterless option and active switching, in terms of cost and performance, is provided. In the case where SOAs are combined with wavelength-filtering technologies, we consider SOA-based wavelength selectors as part of the Optical Add/Drop (OAD) nodes.…”

Agile filterless optical networking

“…Filterless solutions have been proposed for terrestrial and submarine network topologies. The first studies were focused on regional and core network applications [6][7][8][9][10]. Unsurprisingly, comparative cost analyses in terrestrial networks have shown significant savings are achievable in the filterless network solutions due to replacement of switching and filtering elements by simple fiber couplers.…”