So, if dynamic rerouting of a wavelength can be accomplished with a tunable laser, but it can't pass through the fixed filter, or needs an optical switch, a tunable filter seems a perfect solution.
So changing the wavelength requires a change in the route. And if tunable lasers are used, you then need tunable filters. Do I have this right?
The Telenor demonstration showed that a high-performance all-optical network can be built without OXCs and that a switchless mesh architecture is scalable to a large size. The switchless mesh architecture does not render OXCs superfluous, however. Rather, it shows that smaller OXCs may suffice if programmable laser transmitters are used. Moreover, the switchless mesh architecture has the potential to realize fast reconfigurability and support network functionality steered exclusively from the transmitter, allowing additional network features that better serve a data-dominated environment. . . .
Laser transmitters that can tune wavelengths to any desired channel represent a key element in optical-network architectures. Recent demonstrations by operators such as Sprint and Telenor show how carriers can overcome the capacity barriers of existing systems using this technology. One emerging application is in switchless mesh networks that use a simple, all-optical architecture for regional and national networks. Another application of this technology is in optical packet-switched rings that use laser sources to switch signals in nanosecond timescales to provide a high-capacity MAN. These architectures leverage the unique capabilities of tunable lasers to provide networks that will improve efficiency, boost reliability and allow carriers to cost-effectively supply bandwidth-on-demand.
Based on these findings, it appears tunable lasers and filters will accomplish efficiencies similar to the much-heralded all-optical switches.
If this were a three-ring circus, would it be safe to say we've been watching the wrong ring? :)
Pat |
