Multi-Channel Optical Network Architectures with Channel Controller Based Media Access Protocols

Abstract

<p>Future photonic data communication networks may be based on emerging wavelength multiplexing (WDM) technology. In such networks, stations communicate using some combination of wavelength agile transmission or reception. Unfortunately, the multiple channel environment tends to increase station optical hardware requirements, and complicate the station media access protocols. In this thesis, a number of new network architectures are presented which use either a fully broadcast and select typology, or a partial broadcast and select typology with wavelength routing. The design objective is the creation of multichannel networks and multichannel single hop packet switched media access protocols, which require a minimal amount of station optical hardware, and minimal media access protocol complexity. This is accomplished through the use of channel controllers which assist in the operation of the network. Channel controllers are able to reduce the volume of network state information that a station is required to track and process, assist stations with their media access protocol, and provide synchronization information. The fully broadcast and select single passive star network, and on of the partial broadcast and select networks require a station to have a single fast discrete tunable transmitter and a single fixed or slow tunable receiver, while two other partially broadcast and select networks require a station to be configured with an additional fixed or slow tunable receiver.</p>