Routing Methods for Dual Plane Switch Architectures

摘要

A method and apparatus for routing signals through a photonic switch are provided. Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR) requirements for signals to be concurrently routed through the switch are determined, and incoming signal routing requests are blocked when routing same would violate OSNR requirements. Blocking may occur when a maximum allowed number M of lightpaths of same wavelength would be exceeded by admitting the request. Otherwise, signals are routed along a lightpath which satisfies the OSNR requirements. Cell Extinction Ratio in conjunction with OSNR requirements can be used to determine M. Switching cells can potentially accommodate multiple lightpaths of different wavelengths, but regular switching cells may be inhibited from accommodating multiple lightpaths of same wavelength. Routing solutions which maximize both cell sharing and cell packing may be sought. Routes that violate crosstalk limitation conditions are inhibited.

主权项

1. A method of handling a request to establish a lightpath in a photonic switch from a specified input to a specified output, the method comprising:
determining an Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR) requirement; and when the request can be accommodated while satisfying the OSNR requirement, establishing the lightpath from the specified input to the specified output along a route which satisfies the OSNR requirement.