Centralized packet filtering protocols: a new class of high performance protocols for single-hop lightwave WDM networks

A new protocol for WDM star networks is introduced. According to the proposed Centralized Packet Filtering (CPF) protocol, more than one stations share each wavelength and transmit their packets in a random access fashion. An array of electrooptic tunable filters, which is placed at the network hub, allows at most one packet per wavelength to pass to the star coupler; at each time slot. In this way, channel collisions are eliminated. Furthermore, the selection of the passing packets is implemented in such a way that receiver conflicts are avoided.