Optical path restoration schemes and cross-connect architectures for photonic transport networks

An optical path cross-connect (OPXC) system is an essential component for creating photonic transport networks. This paper classifies various schemes used to restore link failures in optical path networks according to restoration methods and rerouting location. We then describe the common OPXC structure and their required functions as related to each restoration scheme. Next, we evaluate the number of optical fibers required in these restoration schemes when using a VWP (virtual wavelength path) network model with a single link failure. Finally, this paper presents an OPXC node architecture based on a restoration scheme which can reduce the total number of fibers the most. The OPXC node, which accommodates 64 optical paths and uses our 8×8 PI-LOSS (Path-independent Insertion LOSS) switches, will then be evaluated in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and coherent crosstalk