MSA: a modular switching architecture for packet transport over ultra-dense WDM networks

We present the design and modeling of an intelligent modular switching architecture, designated MSA, for packet transport over next-generation ultra-dense wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks. The proposed architecture reduces the electronic processing overhead in sending the packets from source to destination. This is achieved by sending routing/forwarding information on a dedicated control channel. The control packets are processed electronically by a control processor at each intermediate node. The processing of control packets ensures that the data packets propagate from source to destination in photonic form (that is, without any processing by intermediate nodes). Due to the flexible nature of the proposed architecture it can be applied to support opaque optical networks to all-optical networks and can be used to transport IP/MPLS and ATM traffic. The performance evaluation of the proposed switching architecture shows that it drastically reduces the electronic processing overhead. Saving in the processing overhead can leverage bandwidth utilization without increasing the hardware gear cost. Furthermore, a large saving in terms of electrical-to-optical (E/O) and optical-to-electrical (O/E) converters cost per node can also be achieved.