Hybrid optical network architectures: bringing packets and circuits together

In recent years hybrid optical network architectures, which employ two or more network technologies simultaneously, were proposed. They aim at improving the overall network design by combining the advantages of different technologies while avoiding their disadvantages. In order to structure this developing research field, we classify such hybrid architectures based on the degree of interaction and integration of the network technologies. Also, we discuss the three classes and their main representatives regarding key characteristics, performance benefits, and realization complexity. Finally, we highlight two hybrid architectures and show their key benefits compared to the respective non-hybrid architectures through a dimensioning case study.