Enabling Architectures for Next Generation Optical Networks

Abstract

As the demand grows for higher network access speeds, technologies such as optical fiber have begun to overtake traditional copper wire for data transport in short haul networks as well as long haul networks. Optical networking plays a growing role in next generation networks with new capabilities such as LCAS (Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme) and Virtual Concatenation (VC), and services such as dynamic provisioning and traffic grooming. While these emerging capabilities hold the promise of an intelligent optical network, there are still obstacles. Protocols and standards to support these capabilities are still evolving. In addition, in order to realize the new benefits, carriers and providers must invest in new optical equipment, as well as upgrades to existing equipment. In the current economic environment, a choice which leverages lower cost equipment with software which can provide advanced functionality is significantly more attractive than expensive alternatives. In addition, upgradeable software-based components provide future cost savings as well as flexibility in supporting new and changing protocols and standards. In this paper, we discuss each of these issues in detail and present a solution for optical services and applications, including Optical Burst Switching, using a network processor based platform to overcome the obstacles facing next generation optical networks.