Core Switch Architectures for the Agile All-Photonic Network: Performance Evaluation with Crosstalk

The aim of this work is to analyze, evaluate, and compare the technological and architectural options to implement the core switches of the Agile All-Photonic Network (AAPN). The required core switch functionality and switch scales are discussed. Three technological choices, Electro-optics, SOA optical gates, and TWC with AWG are considered. The major performance impairment in optical switches, the in-band crosstalk, is analyzed using a statistical model to evaluate and compare its impact up on the scaling of the switch fabrics. The switch element crosstalk requirement is estimated as a function of switch dimension and a suitable technology option that is realistic for various switch capacities is presented.