Implicit Label Number for Optical Packets in Label Switching Networks Based on Spectral Amplitude Coding and OCDM Path

This paper presents an implicit labeling scheme where stacked spectral-amplitude-coding (SAC) labels are inscribed in multiple payload bits in the packet front. Reliable label recognition in optical packet switching (OPS) is achieved by analyzing the overall decoding results of all labeled bits instead of considering each labeled signal individually. The concept of hypothesis testing is employed to determine the optimal labeled bit number. A decision rule of correct switching is designed based on the photocurrent mean of the decoded label stacks. Considering the noise factors shown in the decoding process, the desired label number has been analyzed under different conditions of code types, label power, and the level of significance. Simulation results provide good suggestions for the tradeoff between the system insensitivity to noise effects and the transmission redundancy of carrying repetitive label information in an optical packet.