Technologies for all-optical wavelength conversion in DWDM networks

Different techniques for all-optical wavelength conversion are reviewed and the advantages and disadvantages seen from a system perspective are highlighted. All-optical wavelength conversion will play a major role in making cost-effective network nodes in future high-speed WDM networks, where functions such as switching and routing in the optical domain also are envisaged. Consequently, this paper focuses on different techniques for high-speed all-optical wavelength conversion.