A naturally intelligent lightwave communication network

A four-layer architecture in contrast to the standard seven-layer open system interconnection (OSI) structure for naturally intelligent lightwave-communication networks (NILiNs) is presented. These networks use WDM (wavelength division multiplexed) optical fibers as transmission media, operate as slotted networks, usually have zone-wise regular topologies, and are easily extendable. The authors provide an introduction to network design and operation and present some preliminary results obtained regarding the integrated network access (of new packets) and outgoing link assignment (to the transit packets) schemes which have been investigated.<
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