Virtual multiple optical ring networks for interconnecting metropolitan IP/WDM routers using an N/spl times/N arrayed waveguide grating

We propose a virtual multiple ring network architecture to transport IP traffic in the metro region in a cost-effective way. Packets from a router follow different light paths depending on the destination. We experimentally show its feasibility by confirming the designed light path diagram and measuring bit error rates down to 10/sup -10/ at 2.5 Gbit/s.