A Modular, Scalable, Extensible, and Transparent Optical Packet Buffer

We introduce a novel optical packet switching buffer architecture that is composed of multiple building-block modules, allowing for a large degree of scalability. The buffer supports independent and simultaneous read and write processes without packet rejection or misordering and can be considered a fully functional packet buffer. It can easily be programmed to support two prioritization schemes: first-in first-out (FIFO) and last-in first-out (LIFO). Because the system leverages semiconductor optical amplifiers as switching elements, wideband packets can be routed transparently. The operation of the system is discussed with illustrative packet sequences, which are then verified on an actual implementation composed of conventional fiber-optic componentry