Design Implementation of a Gigabit ATM Photonic Switching Matrix

Abstract

This paper presents a high-performance ATM photonic switching matrix, consisting of an all-optical self-routing high-speed network electrically controlled. The matrix internal architecture is based on wavelength encoding, for cell routing and multiplexing, and on output queueing, for providing the buffering function: its operating principles are fully illustrated. The matrix optical key components are described in detail, discussing as well the main physical constraints imposed by their current characteristics, and their impact on the matrix dimensioning are discussed. Finally, a rack-mounted, reduced size demonstrator, a 4 x 4 matrix supporting a 2.5 Gbit/s input/output rate, has been implemented and the obtained good results in terms of bit error rate and of hardware integration and reliability are reported. This demonstrator shows the switch feasibility with state-of-the-art optical technology.