More Capacity from Less Spectrum: Tapping into Optical-layer Intelligence in Optical Computing-Communication Integrated Network

TL;DR

The paper tackles the challenge of increasing network capacity within limited spectrum by enabling optical computing at lightpath interfaces, introducing the concept of optical-layer intelligence and optical aggregation. It proposes an ILP-based optimization framework to route demands while enabling aggregation between lightpaths sharing the same node, and demonstrates significant spectral efficiency gains on the NSFNET topology compared to traditional optical-bypass networks. The work provides a concrete path toward dual-service optical networks that perform computation at the optical layer and discusses practical challenges and future directions for integrated optimization across computation and communication resources. Overall, the results suggest substantial capacity benefits and set the stage for broader deployment from long-haul to data-center networks through optical-layer in-network processing.

Abstract

Driven by massive investments and consequently significant progresses in optical computing and all-optical signal processing technologies lately, this paper presents a new architectural paradigm for next-generation optical transport network, entitled \textit{optical computing-communication integrated network}, which is capable of providing dual services at the optical layer, namely, computing and communication. This approach seeks to exploit the potential for performing optical computing operations among lightpaths that traverse the same intermediate node. \textit{Optical-layer intelligence concept} is thus introduced as the capability to perform computing / processing at the lightpath scale to achieve greater spectral and/or computing efficiency. A case study focusing on optical aggregation operation is introduced, highlighting the key differences between optical computing-communication integrated network and its current counterpart, optical-bypass ones. A mathematical formulation for optimal designs of optical-aggregation-enabled network is then provided and performance comparison with traditional optical-bypass model is drawn on the realistic NSFNET topology.

Figures (6)

• Figure 1: Traffic Provisioning in Optical-bypass Networking vs. Optical Computing-Communication Integrated Network
• Figure 2: Schematic Diagram of Optical Aggregation Operation at Node X and De-aggregation at Node C
• Figure 3: Network Topology under Test (NSFNET)
• Figure 4: Comparative routing cost in low-load scenarios
• Figure 5: Comparative routing cost in medium-load scenarios