A testbed demonstrating optical IP switching in disaggregated network architecture

Abstract

The lack of a unified control plane does not allow current optical networks to dynamically provision new optical paths. The IETF standardization body has proposed the generalized multi-protocol label switching standard as a solution to this problem. Their efforts however focus on the creation of end-to-end optical trails. This concept is convenient for major service providers, whose network may span a large area, but may not suit smaller network operators. We believe that the future trend of the telecommunication industry is made up of a global network formed by many inter-linked operators of small and medium size. A novel type of network based on a distributed and disaggregated architecture seems to be the best solution to dynamic optical path establishment. In this paper we present an optical testbed implementing the concept of optical IP switching. Central to the system is the optical router that creates new lightpaths depending on encountered traffic flows. The decision making process is completely distributed, and perfectly fits the disaggregated network view. The testbed currently links two universities in Dublin, and may in future be extended to join other existing research networks.