Implication of inter-node and intra-node contention in creating large throughput photonic networks

We discuss the impact of inter- and intra-node blocking in creating large bandwidth optical networks. When we introduce wavelength routing networks, we need to resolve the wavelength collision problem on each link fiber which can deteriorate fiber utilization compared to TDM networks. However, appropriate RWA algorithms minimize the offset and the benefits of wavelength routing have been realized. Similarly, when we expand networking capacity, wisely introducing intra-node blocking can be an effective solution. The way of introducing intra-node blocking is tightly coupled with the adopted node architecture and optical devices utilized. Different architectures and their performances proven with employing intra-node blocking aware RWAs are reviewed in this paper.