Multi-Stage Access Network Based on SOA With/Without OEO for Low Delay Performance

Recently, various architectures for future networks have been researched and discussed. In one of these approaches, we assume the deployment of an access network in which wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques will be applied to user and service multiplexing, respectively. In line with the envisioned scenario, we are studying a new access network based on a multi-stage semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), which has a flexible transmission distance, low delay performance and low power consumption for each service. It has multi-access points supporting the dropping/adding/regenerating of signals with/without optical-electrical-optical (OEO) conversion. In this paper, we describe the configuration of this new access network. Moreover, we propose a priority control method for adding/regenerating signals designed to realize a low delay, and describe simulation results related to the number of OEO conversions. Moreover, we clarify a multi-access point traffic design for low delay performance.