Photonic multiple-access networks: Topologies

Lightwave technology is well-established for long-haul and point-to-point applications. Current research is aimed at extending these techniques to multiple-access computer networks and to the distribution plant. We are exploring the opportunities for interconnecting many users (more than 100) at high data rates (greater than 1 Gb/s) and the need for novel optoelectronic components to realize these photonic networks of the future. In this paper, we focus on how photonic components constrain topologies, while a companion paper¹ focuses on their effect on routing and multiplexing.