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Hideaki Tsushima ABSTRACT: This paper describes our recent approach toward
Shoichi Hanatani advanced optical layer networks through the development of an
optical cross-connect (OXC) system. The OXC prototype system
Tatsuo Kanetake
focuses on providing survivability through restoration against failures,
John A. Fee such as cable/fiber cut, in optical layer networks with mesh and ring
Shoa-Kai Liu topologies. Its features include (a) a unique switch matrix architecture
with extremely low insertion loss, (b) a high-speed restoration of less
than 150 ms, and (c) an element manager prototype system with a
user-friendly graphics interface. Feasibility toward the deployment of
the OXC system has also been confirmed by a field trial using the
network operator’s in-field, installed fiber cables.
Demultiplexer
depicted in Fig. 1 denote nodes comprising the
Multip lex er
Mu ltip lexer
either a digital cross-connect (DXC) or an add/drop
switch fabric
OCH-OXC
multiplexer (ADM). DXC is available for all network
WDMterminal
OMS-OXCswitchfabric
topologies, while ADM is specifically applied to ring
Demultiplexer
topologies. The lines between the nodes denote
l1, ..., l8 l1, ..., l8
transport line signals with granularity of an optical
carrier level, N (OC-N). The optical layer is assumed
to be the server layer of SONET. Each OC-N is given a
single wavelength which complies with the ITU-T (a) (b)
(International Telecommunication Union,
Fig. 2—Functional Blocks of Two Types of OXCs. OMS-OXC
Telecommunication Standard Sector) comprising a switch fabric which switches WDM signals. OCH-
recommendation, (7) and wavelength division OXC comprising a switch fabric and wavelength
multiplexing (WDM), which is applied in the optical demultiplexer/multiplexer for switching individual wavelengths. ln
domain to aggregate capacity. The granularity of the denotes a wavelength and ‘n’ of 1, 2, ..., 8 is an example.
signal is, therefore, OC-N ´ n (n ³ 1), i.e., the entire
WDM signal. The huge capacity of the transport
signal requires a higher survivability and more the cross-connection for the granularity of the
effective bandwidth management in the optical individual optical channel of OC-N ´ 1. The routing of
domain. The OXC is expected to be a key system for individual wavelengths makes it possible to groom
this purpose, and will be applicable to any network individual wavelength paths. As a result, the OCH-
topology (mesh, ring, point-to-point). OXC is capable of performing wavelength-based
There are two types of OXCs, both classified by restoration, as well as bandwidth management (based
considering the layered model,(6) since the optical on wavelength), which will be requisite in the optical
multiplex section (OMS) layer and the optical channel layer for large numbers of incorporated wavelengths.
(OCH) layer perform the cross-connection at different Fig. 2 shows examples of the functional blocks
granularities, as shown in Table 1. The granularity for for each type of OXC. Since the OMS-OXC
the OMS-OXC is multiplexed optical channels, i.e., switches bundle WDM signals, the wavelength
OC-N ´ n, where n is an integer greater than 1. The demultiplexer or multiplexer is not always needed in
basic function entails routing the entire WDM signal the system. The switch fabric of OMS-OXC accepts
by fiber switching. This enables the OXC to provide a multiple inputs of WDM signals, and switches the
function of restoration against failures in the optical connections between the inputs and output fibers.
layer, such as cable/fiber cut. It is also applicable in Since the OCH-OXC cross-connects individual
fiber-facility management for maintenance and wavelengths, it must consist of a switch fabric and
reconfiguration. The restoration function is essential wavelength demultiplexers and multiplexers in both
for ensuring the survivability of the optical layer the input and output sides of the fabric, respectively.
network. On the other hand, the OCH-OXC provides The migration of optical layer networks strongly
Communication
Communication
SW control
Re-routing
Fiber-status
monitoring
To/from other four OXCs
Fig. 4—A View of Five Fig. 7—Functional Blocks of Control Software.
OXCs Developed. High-speed restoration has been also achieved by
Optical switches with bit-rate and wavelength automatic re-routing using fiber-status monitoring.
transparencies were used as a switch element. 16 ´ 16 switching Each OXC has a node controller. A restoration
capability was achieved within a single bay. time per fiber of less than 150 ms is achieved.
by a comparison of these results with those obtained the OPM. When a failure is detected, one of the OXCs
from systems without OXCs. sends switch commands to the related OXCs. A
A second feature is the high-speed restoration restoration time per fiber of less than 150 ms is
achieved by automatic re-routing, using fiber-status achieved. A diagram of the functional blocks of the
monitoring. Each OXC has a node controller which control software is shown in Fig. 7. The functions of
receives reports on the fiber status periodically from the SW control and fiber-status monitoring are
implemented in firmware, and the routing table is
contained in the controller. The functions of the
Working fibers display PC are similar to those of the element
Route 4
managers which show the current status of all the
fibers in the network. The user-friendly graphic
Route 3
Route 2 Line-
Route 1
OPM SW
terminating
15 15
Samples: 28 (total) Samples: 19 (total)
Number ofsamples
Number ofsamples
5 5
0 0
(reconfiguration)
N3 N4
Ring 1 Ring 2
N3 N4
Fig. 9—Logical Network
Shared restoration N5 Configurations of Optical Ring
and Mesh Topologies at the Field
N1 : OXC node N1 Trial in MCI’s Metro Dallas
: working line Network.
OC-48 : restoration line OC-48 Either ring or mesh topologies
: transmission equipment OC-192
can be applied to the network by
Ring configuration Mesh configuration switching control software.