Proposition of a Hybrid Topology for Photonic Switched Optical Networks

Use of Photonic Switching in Optical Networks seems to be one of the best solutions for traffic optimization in Metropolitan Access. Here we propose optical packet/burst switching (OPS/OBS) networks as a future-proof solution for high-throughput in the highly variable traffic pattern of the metro-access. Through analytic modeling and computer simulations we evaluate network performance of mesh networks having a hybrid topology of the Manhattan St.-type. We combine nodes of interconnection grade-2 and grade-3 in order to optimize and balance simultaneously network performance and cost. For performance metrics the parameters packet loss fraction and average number of hops are adopted, link and node loads are investigated, and effective network capacity is evaluated. Results clearly indicate improvement of capacity over grade-2 networks, and possibility of cost savings over complete grade-3 installations