Optical technologies that enable Green networks

Advances in silicon technology are failing to keep up with Internet traffic; this is unfortunate since we can envisage large bandwidth video distribution services carrying super-/ultra- high definition videos. In this context, optical technologies are critical to create bandwidth-abundant and power-efficient networks. Future networks will utilize optical paths not only for network implementation but also for the provisioning of optical circuit switching or optical flow switching services. The large throughput optical cross-connect node and optical path tunneling functions required are effectively attained with the introduction of higher order optical paths, wavebands. This technology can naturally and effectively limit the add/drop ratios of optical paths at nodes, which is very beneficial in reducing the switch hardware scale required to attain colorless, directionless, and contentionless capabilities. Harnessing the full power of light will lead to the creation of future Green networks.