Abstract

The ability to design and build switching systems capable of handling the anticipated capacities of future communication networks present novel challenges. While the role for optics in the long-haul transport parts of the networks is clear, its role inside the switch has not yet been been established. Research spans the entire spectrum — from interconnects to optical logic. This research addresses the role of high-speed serial channels for short-distance optical interconnects in high-capacity packet switching fabrics. Traditional approaches have limited the role of optics to ferrying bits from point to point. As argued here, the marrying of ultrafast optical signals with conventional electronics significantly extends the role of optics from one of point-to-point interconnects to a more active one in the integral functioning of the switch without resorting to optical nonlinearities for processing and in a manner consistent with emerging network technology.

© 1997 Optical Society of America