Challenging Terabit-Class LAN Over Wide Area Networks

The lambda access (2006-2010) and the lambda utility (2006-2010) projects are two of the major photonic network R&D Projects supported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) Japan. The two projects aim at actualizing terabit-class LANs over wide area networks, which enable users to enjoy stress-free access to high bit-rate services such as super high definition video, high performance computing, and GRID computing. The Lambda Access Project develops network access technologies with single- or multi-lambda interfaces at 100 Gbps, meanwhile the Lambda Utility Project develops wide area network control technologies and high capacity link technologies. This paper describes the targets and recent achievements of these projects.