Techniques for labeling of optical signals in burst switched networks

We present a review of significant issues related to labeled optical burst switched (LOBS) networks and technologies enabling future optical internet networks. Labeled optical burst switching provides a quick and efficient forwarding mechanism of IP packets/bursts over wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks due to its single forwarding algorithm, thus yielding low latency, and it enables scaling to terabit rates. Moreover, LOBS is compatible with the general multiprotocol label switching (GMPLS) framework for a unified control plane. We present a review on techniques for labeling of optical signals for LOBS networks, including experimental results, we discuss as well issues for further research