Toward realizing a tera-bit per second throughput photonic transport system for bandwidth abundant multimedia communication

The 320-Gbit/s pre-prototype photonic system throughput is categorized by an upper set of parameters. In order to realize the anticipated number of WDM channels, tera-bit per second throughput capability is demanded. We show an architecture that promises wavelength expandability. It is based on an 8/spl times/8 delivery and coupling type optical switch, and can be expanded in units of 8 wavelengths. The wavelength multiplexing level can be increased to 32, if demanded. The large-scale photonic transport system requires a larger ON/OFF ratio in routing switches and smaller crosstalk in wavelength-demultiplexers.