Intelligent Photonic Network System Based on Optical Cross Connect and Overlay Model

We developed a carrier-based photonic cross connect system, which has an automatic light wave path setting function and a network management function. This system is also based on the overlay model in which the topologies between the client network element (NE) layer and carrier's optical cross connect (OXC) layer are independently processed. Signaling between client NEs and the OXCs enabled automatic optical path setting between two client NEs through a OXC network. The system also supports connections specified in the ITU-T standard of automatic switched transport network (ASTN), namely permanent connection (PC), soft permanent connection (SPC) and switched connection (SC). Moreover, we implemented integrated optical network management including optical transport network (OTN) management and control plane (C-plane) management. There is a high expectation that our system will accommodate increased Internet traffic demand and reduce network operation costs of Internet service providers (ISP) and carriers in the near future