Control of multi-domain lightpaths in peer-to-peer optical networking

A new signaling scheme, called symmetric user network interface (UNI) signaling is proposed to facilitate the inter-domain signaling under the new peer-to-peer networking architecture. Compared to the BGP extension signaling mechanism, the symmetric UNI signaling has better scalability and more functions. Peer-to-peer networking is a new research area. Applying it to optical networking is challenging when dealing with separate control and data plane, physical constraints, etc. However, its attractive features in several applications such as dark fibre based community networks will motivate research and development initiatives on this topic.