Next Generation Wide Area Optical Networks

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9508239 Mukherjee This project will (i) explore new architectures for the next generation of networks employing optical technology, in particular wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM), for wide-area (nationwide) coverage, and (ii) evaluate and stress-test the performance of these networks by employing realistic workload (traffic) models. This ``almost-all-optical'' wide-area WDM network will utilize wavelength multiplexers and optical switches in a routing node, so that an arbitrary virtual topology can be imbedded on a given physical fiber network. The virtual topology, which is packet switched and which consists of a set of ``all-optical lightpaths'', is set up to exploit the relative strengths of both optics and electronics -- packets of information are carried by the virtual topology ``as far as possible'' in the optical domain, but packet forwarding from lightpath to lightpath is performed via electronic switching, whenever required. This WDM-based network architecture provides high aggregate system capacity due to spatial reuse of wavelengths, support for a large and scalable number of users given a limited number of wavelengths, and very lenient requirements on the wavelength-tunable optical devices of the individual users. On a microscopic level, this research will optimize the cost, efficiency and throughput of the WDM routing node. On a macroscopic level, we will (a) investigate the overall design, analysis, upgradability, and optimization (including cost vs. performance tradeoffs) of a nationwide WDM network consistent with device capabilities; (b) examine related device issues such as optical amplification, fiber nonlinearities, etc.; (c) study traffic control issues related to switching, routing, and performance management of the network to develop ``adaptive reconfiguration algorithms'' in order to reconfigure the virtual topology when the pattern of offered traffic changes; and (d) develop optical hardware support and algorithms for emerging networking services such as multicasting. *** ******* Darleen Fisher Program Manager Networking and Communications Research Program 4201 Wilson Blvd. Room 1175 Arlington Va 22230 (703) 306-1949 (703) 306-0621 (FAX)