Critical issues in multiwavelength optical networking

Over the past decade multiwavelength networks have evolved from optical bench demonstrations to large demonstration projects, and from the simple point-to-point use of multiple wavelengths to enhance capacity, to wide area optical networking. This talk highlights some of the critical issues for multiwavelength optical networks, that we are addressing through the ARPA-supported demonstration programs, ONTC and MONET. The critical issues involved in multiwavelength networks can be categorized into four broad groups: architectural issues, optoelectronic technology issues, network control and management issues, and commercialization issues. These issues are strongly interdependent. We discuss some of the key considerations in each of these categories