Multidimensional optical switching networks

A novel switch fabric which trades the inherent spectral and spatial bandwidth of optical systems against a reduction in equipment complexity is described. The architecture, which is based on a multiple access bus structure, is nonblocking in the wide sense and capable of graceful growth. It also offers the possibility of achieving the theoretical minimum of crosspoints needed for a generalized interconnection network. It is anticipated that experimental multidimensional bus switched (MDBS) networks with Tbit throughput could be designed around currently available research components. The design of such networks and the technology options are described. It is noted that there a number of technology paths open that would lead to very large MBDS networks with throughputs well beyond what is readily obtainable with conventional electronic architectures; one interesting development in this direction is the D fiber back plane.<
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