| In optical communication systems, messages must be delivered fast and efficiently in order to achieve high quality of service and fully exploit the resources. Two elementary issues that affect this objective are the network topology and the need for fast switching node. The network topology affects the routing and the device cost, while switches affect the exchange of messages from one link to another. Today, these two areas have attracted substantial amount of research interest.; In this thesis, a multilayer optical network topology based on the Kautz graph is analyzed first. This multilayer Kautz graph has been proven very useful in the optical network in comparison with some known architectures. This topology has also been implemented with optical passive star couplers and optical switches. Three contention resolution schemes have been examined. Next this multilayer idea is used in the design of a multistage optical switch. This switch architecture has inherited some properties of the known topologies. With a low device cost, it can provide a remarkable advantage in optical packet switching. Finally, we have also discussed some critical issues in the design and implementation of the proposed architectures with available technologies and components. |
