Luc Berthelon

Toward wide-scale all-optical transparent networking: the ACTS optical pan-European network (OPEN) project

The European ACTS project optical pan-European network (OPEN) aims at assessing the feasibility of an optical pan-European overlay network, interconnecting major European cities by means of a mesh of high-capacity optical fiber links, cross-connected through transparent photonic nodes. Both the transmission links and the routing network elements rely on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) all-optical technologies, such as wavelength translation. This paper presents results obtained in the following domains covered within the project: network topology considerations (optimization and dimensioning); network physical layer simulation; fabrications of packaged functional modules based on advanced optoelectronic devices; laboratory demonstrations of N/spl times/10 Gb/s transmission and routing; feasibility of an optical time division multiplexing/WDM (OTDM/WDM) interface; and the field implementation of a 4/spl times/4 multiwavelength crossconnect prototype, featuring all-optical space and wavelength routing. This implementation was realized in two cross-border field trials, one conducted between Norway and Denmark and the other between France and Belgium. The final results of the Norway to Denmark field trials are presented, featuring the successful cascade of three wavelength-translating optical crossconnects (OXCs), along with the transmission over 1000 km of a mix of standard/submarine cable links for four channels at 2.5 Gb/s.

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.

4-channel, 10-Gbit/s capacity self-healing WDM ring network with wavelength add/drop multiplexers

With wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) terrestrial links currently being proposed commercially it is reasonable to expect that these systems will evolve to include networking functions. Already, several wavelength add/drop multiplexers (WADM) have been investigated. A novel, nonsynchronous N-channel W-ADM architecture, with full connectivity capability, is investigated.

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.

Experimental assessment of node cascadability in a reconfigurable survivable WDM ring network

Photonic networks will not only increase the overall capacity of the transport networks but also provide higher network flexibility in terms of routing capability reconfigurability, and protection. Following their commercial introduction, WDM point-to-point transmission systems will rapidly evolve to include wavelength add/drop, and, in the longer term, optical cross-connect functionalities. On the other hand, ring topology is especially attractive because of the efficient self-healing protection schemes that can be adopted. The implementation of WDM ring networks is therefore regarded as the first deployment phase of photonic networking.

Functional architecture and information models for the management of optical networks

This paper addresses the management of photonic networks. It presents the first achievements of the ACTS-MEPHISTO project. The projects general objective is to extend the principles of network management (TMN) to generic all-optical networks, in which wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) will be implemented far transmission and routing. This includes the development of information models for optical networks and network elements, of management applications and test platforms to demonstrate fault, configuration and performance management of optical networks, and the promotion of the developed models within ACTS and standardisation bodies. The functional architecture and early information models for the management of optical networks and network elements are described.

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.

Key functional blocks of optical transport networks

Summar form only given. This paper will review the latest research achievements in the field of optical routing and switching systems, as well as the related status of enabling technologies for space and wavelength switching, as well as optical regeneration.

Network element and network level parameters for the management of optical networks

From the functional architecture of optical network elements, parameters for fault and performance management are proposed for network element-level management. At the network level, some parameters are considered to assess the performance of end-to-end channel trails.