Optical layer traffic grooming in all-optical WDM networks

Abstract

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) in optical networks, it is considered as a possible alternative for providing the high bit rate required for future services. When a link (light-paths) is established, if physical-layer issues are not considered, the possible distinctions between a short lightpath and a long lightpath gets ignored. In order to make such distinction, optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) performance at the lightpath end needs to be taken care of. The data streams flowing through different lightpaths may not have adequate OSNR resulting in increased bit error rate (BER) for some of the lightpaths. We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel optical layer grooming technique for All-optical networks (AONs). This article analyze the optical signal dispersion in view of the FWM phenomenon in supporting Traffic Grooming. Highlighting its importance in the future of design of optical communications.