Architecture of an all-optical circuit-switched multistage interconnection network

An architecture of an all-optical multistage interconnection network is proposed. The network supports a circuit-switching model of communication and can provide parallel optical paths among input and output ports. It uses an address-based routing algorithm for path setup which, due to its decentralized nature, makes this network suitable for designing high-speed switching systems. These switches are commonly used in telephony and multiprocessor systems. The proposed architecture uses bistable optical devices, such as interference filters, as essential components of its switching modules. Since these devices can be easily fabricated, the implementation of this architecture is feasible. Various design issues related to optical clock generation, its distribution, data synchronization, and intensity restoration are also discussed.<
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