Effect of traffic patterns on optical time-division-multiplexed/WDM networks for avionics

Communication systems for use in commercial aircrafts are becoming increasingly complex and bandwidth intensive to meet the needs of multimedia users, as well as perform system management functions. The various avionics sub-systems have varied requirements for services that generate a wide range of traffic patterns. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) provides a robust way to offer such services, but measures have to be taken to make sure that the bandwidth is effectively utilized. Using Optical Time Division Multiplexing (OTDM) with WDM increases the bandwidth usage per wavelength in the WDM system, thereby increasing the effective utilization of the system capacity. This paper analyzes the effect of three different traffic patterns generated at the sub-systems, on an OTDM/WDM network.