Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. The Evolving Core Optical Network

2. Economical Challenges

3. Two Types of Optical Switches

4. All-Optical Switches

5. Intelligent O-E-O Switches

6. Space and Power Savings

7. Optimized Optical Nodes

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

In addition, recent economical challenges have highlighted the fact that the network evolution must increase the efficiency and manageability of a network, resulting in lower equipment and operational costs. A growing number of carriers have accepted the evolutionary benefits of the optical switch. Carriers must decide how best to implement the optical switch to gain a competitive advantage in the recruitment and retention of new customers. Promises of improved efficiency, lower cost, and new revenue-generating services are being made by manufacturers of two types of optical switches—the O-E-O switch and the all-optical, photonic-based O-O-O switch.

Figure 2. Two Types of Optical Switches