Energy consumption in multi-mode routers using AWG and MEMS switches

An unprecedented growth in the number of internet users has resulted in an increase in power consumption of the network components and auxiliary services. It is widely believed that optical switching technologies have shown great promise in terms of bandwidth offerings and consume far less energy per bit compared to its electronic counterpart. In this paper, we characterize energy consumption of multi-mode routers that support electronic packet switching, optical burst switching and optical circuit switching on the same platform. Two models, namely, Arrayed Waveguide Grating (AWG) and Micro-Electro-Mechanical systems (MEMS), are applied to multi-mode routers. Simulations are performed using the ns-2 tool. Energy consumption per bit of different switching technologies is compared, and results show that optical packet switching has the highest energy consumption. Also the power consumption of AWG optical switches and MEMS optical switch in both blocking and non-blocking modes is compared.