Christophe Drion

Key building blocks for high-capacity WDM photonic transport networks

The objective of this paper is to give an overview of the different studies we have performed at the research level regarding the design and implementation of a photonic wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) layer providing transparent transport services to client layers (SONET/SDH, ATM, etc.). Such a network requires a number of enabling factors to be assessed in order to become a reality. Among these factors are the availability of high-capacity WDM transmission systems and efficient optical routing nodes based on mature technology, the design of robust networks optimizing the utilization of resources, and the development of a management system in accordance with presently applied standards for transport networks. We review our achievements in these different fields.

Demonstration of TMN management of a WDM network testbed

We have demonstrated configuration, fault protection, and performance management of a WDM network testbed. These experiments show the possibility to build a manageable client-independent optical transport layer, complying with current management standards.

Managed, 2R-regenerated transparent optical networking field trial spanning core and access

We report on the successful integration of a large optical networking field trial supporting all-optical, 2R-regenerated, managed connection at 10 Gbit/s for the first time in the field, advanced protection switching schemes, and services demonstrations.

Design of a Pan-European lightwave core and access networking trial (ACTS-PELICAN project)

The PELICAN project aims at the field demonstration of a large managed optical network, featuring 3 network partitions with different topologies, various types of network elements and supervision schemes. New network functions, management and protections are implemented.

Network- and network-element-level parameters for configuration, fault, and performance management of optical networks

With the high interest of network operators and manufacturers for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networking technology, the need for management systems adapted to this new technology keeps increasing. We investigated this topic and produced outputs through the specification of the functional architecture, network layered model, and through the development of new, TMN- based, information models for the management of optical networks and network elements. Based on these first outputs, defects in each layer together with parameters for performance management/monitoring have been identified for each type of optical network element, and each atomic function describing the element, including functions for both the transport of payload signals and of overhead information. The list of probable causes has been established for the identified defects. A second aspect consists in the definition of network-level parameters, if such photonic technology-related parameters are to be considered at this level. It is our conviction that some parameters can be taken into account at the network level for performance management, based on physical measurements within the network. Some parameters could possibly be used as criteria for configuration management, in the route calculation processes, including protection. The outputs of these specification activities are taken into account in the development of a manageable WDM network prototype which will be used as a test platform to demonstrate configuration, fault, protection and performance management in a real network, in the scope of the ACTS-MEPHISTO project. This network prototype will also be used in a larger size experiment in the context of the ACTS-PELICAN field trial (Pan-European Lightwave Core and Access Network).