A wavelength-routing node using multifunctional semiconductor optical amplifiers and multiple-pilot-tone-coded subcarrier control headers

We demonstrate wavelength routing by using the control information encoded in a multiple-pilot-tone subcarrier header. Header detection, header removal, packet gating and wavelength shifting are all performed by a single multifunctional semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). Based on the header information contained in the 60-ns-long pilot tones, each incoming 1-Gb/s data packet either: (1) passes through the switch unaffected or (2) is wavelength shifted and dropped at the switch.