Abstract

Metro network operators have decided to use the MSPP in their network to reduce capital expenditure and improve operations. Some have also decided to use OEO-OXCs to further improve metro core network economics. The MSPP and OXC are modern transport and switching equipment that not only enable network operators to reduce cost by equipment consolidation but may also allow them to further reduce cost by supporting alternative metro network architectures. This paper briefly discusses the key attributes of MSPP and OEO-OXC and their utility for the metropolitan network operator. It then compares four alternative ways of architecting the metro network that have the potential to optimize the use of these equipment and significantly reduces capital expenditure.

© 2005 Optical Society of America