The FT/sup /spl Lambda//-FR/sup /spl Lambda// AWG network: a practical single-hop metro WDM network for efficient uni- and multicasting

Single-hop wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) networks with a central passive star coupler (PSC), as well as single-hop networks with a central arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) and a single transceiver at each node, have been extensively studied as solutions for the quickly increasing amounts of unicast and multicast traffic in the metropolitan area. The main bottlenecks of these networks are the lack of spatial wavelength reuse in the studied PSC-based networks and the single transceiver in the studied AWG-based metro WDM networks. This paper describes the development and evaluation of the FT/sup /spl Lambda//-FR/sup /spl Lambda// AWG network, which is based on a central AWG and has arrays of fixed-tuned transmitters and receivers at each node. Transceiver arrays are a mature technology, making the proposed network practical. In addition, the transmitter arrays allow for high-speed signaling over the AWG while the receiver arrays relieve the receiver bottleneck arising from multicasting in conjunction with spatial wavelength reuse on the AWG. The results from probabilistic analysis and simulation reported here indicate that the FT/sup /spl Lambda//-FR/sup /spl Lambda// AWG network gives particularly good throughput-delay performance for a mix of unicast and multicast traffic.     

Wavelength reuse for efficient packet-switched transport in an AWG-based metro WDM network

Metro wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) networks play an important role in the emerging Internet hierarchy; they interconnect the backbone WDM networks and the local-access networks. The current circuit-switched SONET/synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH)-over-WDM-ring metro networks are expected to become a serious bottleneck-the so-called metro gap-as they are faced with an increasing amount of bursty packet data traffic and quickly increasing bandwidths in the backbone networks and access networks. Innovative metro WDM networks that are highly efficient and able to handle variable-size packets are needed to alleviate the metro gap. In this paper, we study an arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG)-based single-hop WDM metro network. We analyze the photonic switching of variable-size packets with spatial wavelength reuse. We derive computationally efficient and accurate expressions for the network throughput and delay. Our extensive numerical investigations-based on our analytical results and simulations-reveal that spatial wavelength reuse is crucial for efficient photonic packet switching. In typical scenarios, spatial wavelength reuse increases the throughput by 60% while reducing the delay by 40%. Also, the throughput of our AWG-based network with spatial wavelength reuse is roughly 70% larger than the throughput of a comparable single-hop WDM network based on a passive star coupler (PSC).     

A large-scale AWG-based single-hop WDM network using couplers with collision avoidance

Single-hop wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks based on a central arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) have attracted a great deal of attention as a solution for metropolitan area network applications because they can achieve high throughput with reduced cost due to the periodic wavelength-routing property of the AWG. Unfortunately, scalability is a significant problem in an AWG-based single-hop WDM network because the number of transceivers required at each node is equal to the total number of nodes. This problem can be solved by providing optical couplers between the AWG and the nodes and by aggregating multiple nodes before connecting to the AWG. In this case, however, packet collisions at the couplers will seriously increase the packet network delay. Therefore, we propose a novel AWG-based single-hop WDM network in which an autonomic collision avoidance mechanism is introduced in the couplers. We derive the optimum number of couplers for this architecture. Through numerical study, we clarify that the proposed network architecture can reduce the total network cost dramatically.     

The arrayed-waveguide grating-based single-hop WDM network: an architecture for efficient multicasting

Research on multicasting in single-hop wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) networks has so far focused on networks based on the passive star coupler (PSC), a broadcast device. It has been shown that multicasting performance is improved by partitioning multicast transmissions into multiple multicast copies. However, the channel bottleneck of the PSC, which does not allow for spatial wavelength reuse, restricts the multicast performance. We investigate multicasting in a single-hop WDM network that is based on an arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG), a wavelength routing device that allows for spatial wavelength reuse. In our network, optical multicasting is enabled by wavelength-insensitive splitters that are attached to the AWG output ports. Multicasts are partitioned among the splitters and each multicast copy is routed to a different splitter by sending it on a different wavelength. We demonstrate that the spatial wavelength reuse in our network significantly improves the throughput-delay performance for multicast traffic. By means of analysis and simulations, we also demonstrate that, for a typical mix of unicast and multicast traffic, the throughput-delay performance is dramatically increased by transmitting multicast packets concurrently with control information in the reservation medium access control protocol of our AWG-based network.     

Field trial of full-mesh WDM network (AWG-STAR) in metropolitan/local area

We describe a field trial of a wavelength routing full-mesh wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) (AWG-STAR) network for citywide local administration in Japan. An AWG router and five WDM nodes were connected to the existing fiber in the downtown area of the city of Chitose, Hokkaido. A 5 /spl times/ 5 full-mesh network was overlaid on the Chitose intranet. A video-on-demand system based on Gigabit Ethernet links, high-definition serial digital interface signals, and synchronous digital hierarchy signals of STM-16 links are transmitted and routed simultaneously on the wavelength paths of the network. These systems are used for administration and education information sharing for city residents. The network is managed and controlled remotely from the NTT R&D Center in Atsugi, Japan, which is 50 km southwest of Tokyo and approximately 1000 km from Chitose. AWG-STAR exhibits promising potential as a large capacity network system for both simple full-mesh systems and highly secure private networks.     

RINGOSTAR: an evolutionary AWG-based WDM upgrade of optical ring networks

The paper describes the study of the multichannel upgrade of IEEE Standard 802.17 Resilient Packet Ring (RPR) in particular and optical single-channel ring networks in general by making use of wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM). The paper describes and discusses a novel evolutionary multichannel upgrade approach that uses WDM on a central passive arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG)-based single-hop star network rather than on the ring. The AWG-based star subnetwork allows for a dramatically larger spatial reuse of WDM wavelength channels than conventional upgrades of optical single-channel ring networks that use WDM on the ring where all nodes need to be WDM upgraded. In the resultant hybrid optical ring-star network, termed RINGOSTAR, only a subset of the nodes are required to be WDM upgraded with a single additional tunable transceiver in order to improve the performance dramatically. The novel concept of proxy stripping is also introduced, which is used to route ring traffic on single-hop short cuts across the star subnetwork rather than the peripheral ring, resulting in a dramatically increased spatial reuse factor on the ring. By means of analysis, the performance of RINGOSTAR is investigated in terms of mean hop distance, spatial reuse, and capacity. The findings show that RINGOSTAR significantly outperforms unidirectional, bidirectional, and meshed WDM rings. Finally, the tradeoffs of RINGOSTAR are addressed.     

A Comparison of Bit-Parallel and Bit-Serial Architectures for WDM Networks

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is emerging as a viable solution to reduce the electronic processing bottleneck in very high-speed optical networks. A set of parallel and independent channels are created on a single fiber using this technique. Parallel communication utilizing the WDM channels may be accomplished in two ways: (i) bit serial, where each source-destination pair communicates using one wavelength and data are sent serially on this wavelength; and (ii) bit parallel, where each source-destination pair communicates using a subset of channels and data are sent in multiple-bit words. Three architectures are studied in the paper: single-hop bit-serial star, single-hop bit-parallel star, and multi-hop bit-parallel shufflenet. The objective of this paper is to evaluate these architectures with respect to average packet delay, network utilization, and link throughput. It is shown that the Shufflenet offers the lowest latency but suffers from high cost and low link throughput. The star topology with bit-parallel access offers lower latency than the bit-serial star, but is more expensive to implement.     

An efficient transmission scheduling algorithm for awavelength-reusable local lightwave network

Although single-hop star networks based on wave-length division multiplexing (WDM) are attractive owing to their all-optical communication features, the throughput of such lightwave networks is limited due to the small number of available wavelengths. In this paper, a wavelength-reusable local lightwave network that consists of two interconnected WDM star networks is proposed. Based on this architecture, the lower bounds for the problems of minimizing the switching duration and the number of switching modes are derived. A transmission scheduling algorithm for this architecture to efficiently reuse the wavelengths is also proposed. The analytical result shows that the proposed scheduling algorithm always produces solutions close to the lower bounds. Simulation results show that given the same number of users and available wavelengths, the solutions (in terms of the average switching duration and the average number of switching matrices) obtained by the proposed scheduling algorithm on the interconnected WDM networks are better than the optimal solution on a single-star WDM network. In most cases, the performance improvement achieves 20 to 45%     

A genetic algorithm-based methodology for optimizing multiservice convergence in a metro WDM network

We consider the multi-objective optimization of a multi-service arrayed-waveguide grating-based single-hop metro WDM network with the two conflicting objectives of maximizing throughput while minimizing delay. We develop and evaluate a genetic algorithm based methodology for finding the optimal throughput-delay tradeoff curve, the so-called Pareto-optimal frontier. Our methodology provides the network architecture (hardware) and the medium access control (MAC) protocol parameters that achieve the Pareto-optima in a computationally efficient manner. The numerical results obtained with our methodology provide the Pareto-optimal network planning and operation solutions for a wide range of traffic scenarios. The presented methodology is applicable to other networks with a similar throughput-delay tradeoff.     

Multipassive-star-coupler hub for metro WDM networks

We consider a metro wavelength-division-multiplexing network in which a hub connects the local networks to the backbone network. In many recent studies, the hub is made up of an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG). In this letter, we use multiple passive star couplers (PSCs) to construct the hub and allocate wavelength channels to its input-output pairs based on the traffic requirements. The resulting hub, called the multipassive-star-coupler hub or multi-PSC hub, can provide the same communication functions as AWG hubs and two additional functions: 1) it can efficiently transport nonuniform metro traffic via nonuniform channel allocation within the hub and 2) it can easily be scaled up by adding more PSCs for handling the ever-increasing traffic load.     

Performance of Single-Hop WDM LANs Supporting Real-Time Services

Optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) local area networks are capable of fulfilling the enormous bandwidth demands of present and future applications. Up to now, the WDM LAN world is primarily dominated by the passive-star coupler (PSC) based architectures, for which many medium access control (MAC) protocols have been proposed. However, an arrayed waveguide grating multiplexer (AWGM)-based single-hop WDM network seems to be a very promising alternative. One of the most critical issues in designing next generation photonic LANs is the support of real-time services for applications with different time constraints. In this paper, different basic access protocols for the PSC as well as AWGM-based single-hop WDM LANs are considered and their performance in supporting real-time traffic is analyzed by means of extensive computer simulations. For evaluation of real-time performance, packet drop rates and deadline missing rates are taken as performance measures. Furthermore, new real-time message scheduling schemes are proposed which improve the performance of protocols accommodating mixed traffic. They can be differentiated between message scheduling at the source nodes transmit queues and scheduling based upon control information from a control channel. It is shown that both types of priority scheduling significantly improve the overall real-time performance.     

An array of photonic filtering advantages:arrayed-waveguide-grating multi/demultiplexers for photonicnetworks

The author introduces the principles, fabrication techniques, and recent progress of planar-type arrayed-waveguide-grating (AWG) multi/demultiplexers, which have been developed for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)-based photonic networks. The AWG has already been used in point-to-point WDM systems and is a key component in the construction of flexible and large-capacity WDM networks. This is because, compared with conventional filters consisting of thin-film interference filters and micro-optics, the AWG offers the advantages of low loss, high port counts, and mass productivity. Further progress on the AWG is expected to contribute greatly to the construction of future photonic networks including optical add/drop multiplexing systems and optical crossconnect systems     

Metro WDM networks: performance comparison of slotted ring and AWG star networks

Both wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) networks with a ring architecture and WDM networks with a star architecture have been extensively studied as solutions to the ever increasing amount of traffic in the metropolitan area. Studies typically focus on either the ring or the star and significant advances have been made in the protocol design and performance optimization for the WDM ring and the WDM star, respectively. However, very little is known about the relative performance comparisons of ring and star networks. In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive comparison of a state-of-the-art WDM ring network with a state-of-the-art WDM star network. In particular, we compare time-slotted WDM ring networks (both single-fiber and dual-fiber) with tunable-transmitter and fixed-receiver (TT-FR) nodes and an arrayed-waveguide grating-based single-hop star network with tunable-transmitter and tunable-receiver (TT-TR) nodes. We evaluate mean aggregate throughput, relative packet loss, and mean delay by means of simulation for Bernoulli and self-similar traffic models for unicast traffic with uniform and hot-spot traffic matrices, as well as for multicast traffic. Our results quantify the fundamental performance characteristics of ring networks versus star networks and vice versa, as well as their respective performance limiting bottlenecks and, thus, provide guidance for directing future research efforts.     

Traffic grooming in an optical WDM mesh network

In wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) optical networks, the bandwidth request of a traffic stream can be much lower than the capacity of a lightpath. Efficiently grooming low-speed connections onto high-capacity lightpaths will improve the network throughput and reduce the network cost. In WDM/SONET ring networks, it has been shown in the optical network literature that by carefully grooming the low-speed connection and using wavelength-division multiplexer (OADM) to perform the optical bypass at intermediate nodes, electronic ADMs can be saved and network cost will be reduced. In this study, we investigate the traffic-grooming problem in a WDM-based optical mesh topology network. Our objective is to improve the network throughput. We study the node architecture for a WDM mesh network with traffic-grooming capability. A mathematical formulation of the traffic-grooming problem is presented in this study and several fast heuristics are also proposed and evaluated     

Polarization dependent loss and temperature fluctuations effect on degree of orthogonality in polarization multiplexed arrayed waveguide grating based distribution networks

We analyze the effect of arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) polarization dependent loss (PDL) on the orthogonality between polarization multiplexed channels in a cascaded AWG-based access network topology. For a single AWG, with 0.5-dB PDL, we find an experimental degradation in polarization multiplexing orthogonality to be a maximum of 0.9/spl deg/, in good agreement with theory. In addition, experimental, and numerically simulated maps of orthogonality degradation versus input states of polarization (SOP) are investigated and found to agree well. Consequently, we analyze the effect of cascaded AWGs and again find that the experimental result of maximum 2.9/spl deg/ degradation in polarization multiplexing orthogonality closely matches theoretical predictions. Thermal variations are also found to have similar effects for all SOPs, with a measured degradation in orthogonality of up to 2.5/spl deg/ for a temperature range between 20/spl deg/C and 55/spl deg/C. Overall, this indicates the robustness of polarization multiplexing, making it applicable for appropriate deployment in bandwidth/user-enhanced access networks based on cascaded AWGs.     

A simplified optical star network using distributed channelcontrollers

Future photonic networks may be based on emerging wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) technology. In single-hop LAN's using a passive optical star coupler, stations normally access the network using some combination of wavelength-agile transmission and reception. Unfortunately, this parallel channel architecture tends to increase and complicate the user station hardware and protocols. In this paper, a new network architecture is presented. The objective of the design is to simplify the user stations as much as possible. This is accomplished through the use of a set of distributed channel controllers-one for each WDM channel. The network is thus referred to as the distributed channel controller network (DCCN). The channel controllers assist in the operation of the network in a number of ways. To further simplify the design, bandwidth is allocated hierarchically on each channel. This decouples system operation into two levels. At the higher level, band width partitioning may be done in a static or dynamic fashion. The lower level determines the dynamic use of slots. Two options for media access are considered. The first is a hybrid approach based upon custom hardware-based request scheduling. Allocations are generated by the channel controllers electronically and data transmission occurs using station wavelength agility. The second is much more distributed. Each set of competing stations builds a distributed queue based upon observed requests. It is found that the proposed architecture supports higher throughput than in other similar networks with the same hardware requirements. An analytic model is introduced for calculating mean station delay. Simulations show that it accurately predicts network performance     

Fiber-to-the-home services based on wavelength-division-multiplexing passive optical network

It is anticipated that more than 75 Mb/s per subscriber is required for the convergence service such as triple-play service (TPS). Among several types of high-speed access network technologies, wavelength-division-multiplexing passive optical network (WDM-PON) is the most favorable for the required bandwidth in the near future. Furthermore, WDM technologies, such as athermal arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) and low-cost light source, have matured enough to be applied in the access network. In this paper, the authors propose and implement a WDM-PON system as a platform for TPS. The system employs an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE)-injected Fabry-Pe/spl acute/rot laser diode scheme. It has 32 channels of 125 Mb/s and adopts Ethernet as Layer 2. Multicast and virtual local area network features are used for the integration of services such as Internet protocol high-definition broadcast, voice-over Internet protocol, video on demand, and video telephone. The services were demonstrated using the WDM-PON system.     

A novel signaling nested reservation protocol for all-optical networks

This work proposes a new reservation protocol for enhancing the performance of wavelength-routed networks. To be more robust and reliable, the proposed approach employs distributed control mechanisms. The new method particularly focuses on wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) core networks with distant end-nodes. It takes into account the considerable amount of data that can be transferred by high-speed WDM networks within limited reservation periods. To increase the throughput, the protocol consumes the unoccupied bandwidth of reservation phases by transferring nonreal-time data packets during these intervals. This scheme is implemented by applying a modified form of backward reservation protocol. To initiate a multihop reservation call, this protocol labels a path as reserved instead of locking it. Meanwhile, labeled nodes with single-hop requests will receive permission signals to send predetermined packet sizes. The length of packets transmitted is defined by the round-trip propagation delay between the current and the upcoming nodes along the path. In case a reservation fails, already labeled nodes will be notified by receiving a prevention signal, which will block them from transferring data packets.     

Efficient sequencing techniques for variable-length messages in WDMnetworks

Message sequencing and channel assignment are two important issues that need to be addressed when scheduling variable-length messages in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) network. Channel assignment addresses the problem of choosing an appropriate data channel via which a message is transmitted to a node. This problem has been addressed extensively in the literature. On the other hand, message sequencing which addresses the order in which messages are sent, has rarely been addressed. In this paper, we propose a set of scheduling techniques for single-hop WDM passive star networks, which address both the sequencing aspect and the assignment aspect of the problem. In particular, we develop two priority schemes for sequencing messages in a WDM network in order to increase the overall performance of the network. We evaluate the proposed algorithms, using analytical modeling and extensive discrete event simulations, by comparing their performance with state-of-the-art scheduling algorithms that only address the assignment problem. We find that significant improvement in performance can be achieved using our scheduling algorithms where message sequencing and channel assignment are simultaneously taken into consideration. This suggests that, when scheduling messages in WDM networks, one has to consider message sequencing, as well as channel assignment. As a result, we anticipate that this research will open new directions into the problem of on-line scheduling in WDM networks     

Simple star multihop optical network

A new multihop wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical network with two wavelengths per node that can give the maximum throughput and minimum delay is proposed. It is called a “simple star” multihop network. This network has good characteristics in traffic balance and minimum average number of hops. Furthermore, unlike most existing networks, it does not impose an upper limit to the number of nodes