An evaluation of optical switch architectures utilizing wavelength converters

Due to the current costs of the optical network components, ways are being sought to maximize the benefits of optical networks while minimizing costs. Wavelength conversion has been studied as a way to improve efficiency in all-optical networks. A network utilizing wavelength conversion can minimize the number of wavelengths it employs, reducing the complexity and cost. This paper looks briefly at the five known switch architectures employing converters: dedicated, share-per-node, share-per-link, share-with-local and electronic wavelength-convertible switches. A novel compromise between cost and performance with the half-clear wavelength-convertible switch is proposed. This switch is shown to have performance characteristics similar to the dedicated wavelength-convertible switch, with a cost closer to opto-electronic techniques.