Contention Resolution in Multi-Fibre Optical Packet Switches

In this paper a multi-fibre optical packet switch is considered that employs contention resolution algorithms in space, wavelength and time domains. The main aim of the work is to investigate cost effective solutions for optical packet switch implementation. In particular the multi-fibre solution allows to separate the wavelengths on the multiple fibres of the same output interface and to create isolated contention domains. As a consequence, the wavelength converters employed are easier to implement in relation to the narrower band needed. Different contention resolution algorithms and different policies that exploit the wavelength and time domains are discussed and evaluated by simulations. The work suggests that the multi-fibre approach effectively increases switch performance and offers the chance of an optimized switch design in a joint performance and cost perspective