IP over WDM [chapter]

2009 Optical WDM Networks  
Expanding Internet-based services are driving the need for evermore bandwidth in the network backbone. Besides that communications needs are continuously growing. Communication networks must evolve to sustain this growing need for bandwidth. Today, the only technology that can effectively meet such a demand is WDM. This technology allows the increment of the available bandwidth in the fiber by the use of different wavelengths. At present, this technology is used in a point-to-point manner in
more » ... network core using heavy multi-layered protocol stacks. In parallel the Internet transport infrastructure is moving towards a model of high-speed routers interconnected by optical core networks. Large-scale efforts are being made to develop standards and products that will eliminate some of those issues: reduce one or more of the intermediate layers of the protocol stack, allow automatic routing and provisioning inside the transport network, an allow fast and cheap optical switching. Development of these networks demands the use of new optical nodes. Nodes based in new high performance optical technologies that are able to control the communications channels and route them correctly. The purpose of this project is to build one of such nodes. This reports covers the development of an Optical Router, implementing a control plane, similar to the ones in the IP world, as defined in GMPLS research (IETF). The work can be split into two parts: Part I -Development of the underlying optical fabrics (Optical cross connect -OXC). Part II -Definition of the structure of the protocol stack, needed to establish the control plane at the OXC. Different groups in different research units develop each of these parts. This report covers the work done in part II. PART I
doi:10.1109/9780470545447.ch7 fatcat:s4ddocdvirb7dk4icir3ti7y7u