IP-over-WDM dynamic link layer: challenges, open issues, and comparison of files-over-lightpaths versus photonic packet switching

This paper addresses the suitability of WDM coarse packet switching solutions for IP traffic. Our findings show that the combination of traffic grooming at the higher layers and coarse packet switching at the optical layer provides at least the same performance as more sophisticated and difficult to realize photonic packet switching solutions. We propose a network architecture named files-over-lightpaths that not only simplifies the network optical and electronic design by making use of coarse packet switching, but also serves to the purpose of decreasing the TCP transaction latency in comparison to a flat or split Internet organization with fine grain photonic packet switching.