The potentials of optical burst switching (OBS)

Optical burst switching (OBS) is a new paradigm that can significantly reduce the cost associated with existing approaches that adopt wavelength routing for optical transparency and OEO conversions for grooming sub-wavelength connections. We describe the origin of OBS, its state-of-the-art and where it is heading. In particular, we discuss why OBS can support sub-wavelength granularity transparently i.e., without OEO grooming, and thus is an ultimate technology for optical networking.