Enabling Optical Internet with Advanced Network Technologies

Developments in optical transmission systems and electronic routers allow huge bandwidth and ever-increasing capacity. Yet the recent massive deployment of ADSL and broadband access, together with the outburst of new multimedia network services, have resulted in a significant increase in end-user traffic and bandwidth demands. This has motivated research into so-called "transparent optical networks", where the photonic technology is used not only for transmission purposes, but also for implementing more complex functions.

This useful textbook/reference provides an overview of the key concepts related to the major issues of optical Internet, and studies traditionally and recently proposed optical switching paradigms. The concise, yet comprehensive coverage presents a detailed comparison of optical switching technologies, and covers architectural issues together with topics such as signaling protocols and Quality of Service (QoS) provision. Additionally, the book provides deep insight into recent advances in optical circuit switching, optical packet switching (OPS) and optical burst switching (OBS) technologies; their performance advantages, their control-plane specifications, their enabling technologies, their applicability in today’s networks, and their cost benefits. Readers need only undergraduate background in computer communication networks on topics related to TCP/IP, SDH and MPLS networks.

Topics and features:

Provides a thorough overview of optical technologies and protocols for the Future Internet, presented by experts in the field from the e-Photon/ONe and BONE European Union Networks of Excellence

Includes detailed examples, enabling readers to isolate similarities and performance differences

Presents a thorough introduction to IP over Wavelength Division Multiplexing; describing SONET/SDH, ASON and GMPLS networks, and discussing the Routing and Wavelength Assignmentproblem

Explores OPS, including header coding techniques and Fiber Delay Line buffers, as well as buffered switch architectures and Array Wave Grating space switching architectures

Discusses topics relating to OBS, reviewing the issues of QoS provisioning in OBS and the interplay between Transmission Control Protocol and OBS

Describes how an OBS network can support a ubiquitous Grid platform able to address the requirements of a large number of dynamic users

Discusses implementation issues of optical switching fabrics and their applicability in the real world, presenting key performance indicators and describing applications such as Optical Cross Connects and Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers



This wide-ranging and authoritative text will be a valuable resource for advanced undergraduates, beginning graduates, and researchers studying communications in either Engineering or Computer Science.