Optical burst and packet switching

The increasing volume and ratio of packet switched traffic poses new challenges on optical transmission technology applied in telecommunications networks. Retaining efficient operation of networks under the changing traffic load calls for development of new solutions. The paper focuses on two research directions of increasing importance: Optical Burst Switching (OBS) and Optical Packet Switching (OPS). The basic principles behind the two emerging technologies are introduced and an attempt is made to determine the possible role of these technologies in networking scenarios. Both theoretical and practical issues concerning the implementation are discussed and some of the proposed solutions to these issues are also introduced.