Distributed optical contention resolution using an optical token-ring

A novel distributed contention resolution using a token-ring for N/spl times/N photonic ATM or packet switching system is proposed. This method uses distributed optical data processing, to improve the switching capacity and link speed of a photonic switch. The token reduction part, the key function of the proposed method, was realized using a semiconductor laser amplifier loop mirror. Experimentally, a pulse in a 2.5 Gb/s token made of 50-ps full-width at half-maximum optical pulses was successfully eliminated and the extinction ratio was -6.85 dB.