Performance of networks using wavelength converters based on four-wave mixing in semiconductor optical amplifiers

Abstract

In this paper we examine the blocking performance of networks in which connections may be blocked due to either insu cient capacity or due to limitations in the transmission network. We use analytical expressions and network simulations to examine blocking in networks in which the quality of the received signal may be so poor that the connection is e ectively blocked. In particular, we apply our analysis to networks which use wavelength converters based on four-wave mixing in semiconductor optical ampli ers. We show that the performance improvements obtained using these wavelength converters can be signicant, but this depends on whether the network uses xedfrequency or tunable transmitters and receivers.

Wavelength conversion and in-band crosstalk in WDM optical networks

“…A filter follows the wavelength converter to eliminate the original signal, probe and the unwanted component at 2f s -f p . SOA FWM wavelength converters can offer significant performance improvements in networks with tunable transmitters and receivers, even if their conversions are significantly limited by noise [24]. Hence, the noise introduced by the SOAs is not considered in this work.…”

“…Regardless of whether the crossconnect node is equipped with wavelength converters or not, the overall gain of the crossconnect is designed to compensate for the transmission losses incurred between and within each crossconnect, so no inline EDFAs are used, and the output signal power of each crossconnect is the same [24]. It is also assumed that if no wavelength conversion is required, the wavelength converter is bypassed, but the signal still passes through the other elements of the crossconnect [24].…”

“…5 that there is a dedicated wavelength converter at each output port of the switching module. Wavelength converters (WC) are based on four-wave mixing (FWM) in semiconductor optical amplifiers [22,23,24,25]. Wavelength conversion based on four-wave mixing in semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) is a promising technique for modulation independent wavelength conversion.…”

Performance of All-optical WDM Network in Presence of Four-wave Mixing, Optical Amplifier Noise, and Wavelength Converter Noise

“…In Singh et al [24], performance of optical star networks considering the effect of both FWM and ASE noise has been analyzed. Yates et al [25] have examined blocking probability of all-optical network considering realistic wavelength converter (i.e., wavelength converter based on FWM). In the evaluation of the blocking probability of the network, the noise introduced by a wavelength converter has been considered as a cost factor.…”

A theoretical model of all-optical wavelength converter with single-mode homogeneously broadened lasers

“…Equally important, the wavelength conversion function enables decentralized network management concerning the wavelength paths through the network and may facilitate easier protection switching. Now several wavelength conversion technologies based on optical mixing [5][6] [such as FWM (Four-wave mixing), SFG (Sum Frequency), DFG (Difference frequency)] and light Modulation [7][8][9] [such as XGM (Cross-Gain Modulation)], XPM (Cross-Phase Modulation)] have been proposed and studied extensively. But there are some drawbacks and limitation in these methods respectively.…”