Abstract

Future wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) networks will rely on the use of wavelength paths for routing optical data.¹ In such networks, high-speed wavelength shifting of a data signal may be required along a designated route to enable dynamic reconfigurability as well as network-wide wavelength reuse. A critical issue in reconfigurable WDM networks is routing control. One routing control method utilizes a subcarrier, transmitted with the packet, on which a low-speed header is encoded.² This method is advantageous for routing nodes in which detection of the high-speed data is unnecessary and, therefore, readily available microwave components and inexpensive low-speed electronics may be used.

© 1996 Optical Society of America