A token based protocol for integrated packet and circuit switching in WDM rings

The paper proposes a networking solution that represents the first step towards the integration of circuit and packet switching techniques directly in the WDM layer, considered to be a fundamental milestone on the way of creating the next generation Internet (NGI). Focusing on ring networks using extant optical devices, the proposed solution allows for the all-optical transmission of individual packets and circuits via a “tell and go” establishment of lightpaths (wavelength routes). The integration of the two alternative switching techniques is obtained by a novel multi-token control protocol shown to maximize bandwidth utilization, minimize latency and scale ideally in the network