Cross-talk analysis of limited wavelength interchanging cross-connects (L-WIXC) in a WDM network

Abstract

Limited Wavelength interchanging crossconnect (L-WIXC) is an essential element in a WDM optical network which not only selects the route to be followed but also selects the wavelength to be used along the selected route and improves blocking performance of the network. It is superior to the OXC having full wavelength conversion capability in terms of cost and complexity. Propagation through the switching elements that are the part of OXC results in signal degradation and induces crosstalk both due to device intrinsic losses and their imperfect operation. In this thesis work various types of crosstalk mechanism and their sources for limited wavelength interchanging OXC for various architectures have been identified and analytical formulations for the crosstalk have been carried out for all architectures. The analytical formulations are used to find Bit error rate (BER), power penalty and the effect of number of wavelength converters on a system. A Comparative picture of the system performance has been depicted for all architectures of limited wavelength interchanging OXC which will help the system designer to choose the effective one.