High-speed self-configuring networks based on cost-effective plug-and-play optical (PPO) nodes

This proposal visualizes a future ad-hoc multi-gigabit network infrastructure connecting a very large number of inexpensive optical nodes. Such nodes will look like today’s Fast Ethernet switches, providing however, 2-3 orders of magnitude higher bandwidth, and larger geographical network coverage. Users will connect nodes using already installed fibers by a simple plug-and-play operation. Once connected, the Plug-and-Play Optical (PPO) nodes will continuously communicate with other nodes for a self-configuration of both network and nodes. An on-board optical micro-lab, advanced transmission models and an intensive signal processing are the key components to build a system that is able to intelligently adjust optical data flows and wavelength selection. The PPO node configuration will account for varying traffic patterns and changing conditions of the optical physical layer, e.g., introduction and removal of PPO nodes, aging of optical components, temperature changes, soft failure of network elements. The objective of this proposal is to identify the required technologies, to study protocols and algorithms, to develop suitable transmission models, to design and fabricate critical parts of an integrated optical micro-lab that will make the envisioned scenario a reality, and to amalgamate all the achieved results for proving the PPO node concept feasibility.