Optically processed self-routing, synchronization, and contention resolution for 1-D and 2-D photonic switching architectures

The use of optical processing to perform switch routing functions permits real-time routing of packets at high speed. The architecture of a 2×2 photonic packet switching node using optically processed fixed-directory routing, contention resolution using deflection routing, and synchronization is presented. Simplified optically processed self-routing procedures are found for banyan and lattice networks. Although lattice networks require a larger number of switching elements than banyan networks, they have a simpler interconnection field, and unlike banyan networks, the self-routing rule for lattices can avoid any internal blocking. The layout of a self-routing 2-D lattice, using 2×2 switches and a smart pixel, is described. Based on a first-arrival self-routing rule, an additional processing logic is required to perform routing