Software emulation of programmable optical routers

Programmable optical networks are a key solution to high performance dynamic network services in Future Internet scenario. Modular router architecture which meets this concept is here defined and represented in a flexible software context, using Click! tools. Evaluation of logical performance and testing of physical characteristics of information forwarding within this framework is shown as feasible. The approach allows also to easily test functions and interactions of control and data planes to support enhanced future Internet services. Sample implementations of programmable router subsystems are given and discussed.