Abstract

In future fiber-optic broadband integrated digital services networks, the large data rates in the fiber-optic transmission links as well as the large number of packets transmitted per second will place severe demands on the required transmission bandwidth and reconfiguration speed of packet switches. Although electronic switching technology has already achieved high switching speeds, it is possible that it will be difficult for electronic switches to match the transmission bandwidths that the fiber-optic links can provide. Thus photonic switches may be needed to provide a transmission bandwidth that matches the aggregate bandwidth of the services carried by the fiber. If packet switching is used, then the reconfiguration speed of the photonic switch must also be fast.

© 1993 Optical Society of America