Optimal 2×1 multi-stage optical packet multiplexer

Packet contention in all-optical networks is currently resolved by means of switched delay lines (SDL), an approach which makes use of fiber delay lines and 2×2 space photonic switches available from extant technologies. This paper presents a 2×1 FIFO (fixed length) packet multiplexer architecture based on a feedforward SDL design. In this paper we prove that the proposed solution uses a minimal number and minimum combined length of delay lines, minimal number of switches and it is non-blocking, which leads to minimal packet loss probability and minimal packet delay. In addition, the required control electronics has limited complexity due to the self-routing switch control