A bit-serial optical packet label-swapping scheme using DPSK encoded labels

We present a simple and robust bit-serial optical packet label-swapping scheme based on return-to-zero differential phase-shift keying encoded labels. The scheme is demonstrated with a label-swapping experiment for 10-Gb/s packets over two network nodes. Penalty-free label swapping is achievable using semiconductor optical amplifierbased interferometric wavelength converters and phase modulators. In addition, the packet data can be simultaneously 2R regenerated through this process. This will greatly enhance the scalability of the network.