The Virtual Path (VP) concept is one of the versatile features of ATM/B-ISDN. Using the VP concept, a bundle of virtual circuits can be grouped together between any two switching nodes in the network. Further, the VP bandwidth and routing can be dynamic. Building on this idea, a dynamically reconfigurable, dynamic call routing wide area (backbone) broadband network concept is proposed. Specifically, this provides dynamism at two levels: at the VP level and at the connection level. For an incoming connection request, at most two logical virtual path connections (VPCs) are allowed between the origin and the destination; these logical VPCs are defined by setting virtual paths links (VPLs) which are, in turn, physically mapped to the transmission network. Based on the traffic pattern during the day, the bandwidth of such VPCs and their routing, as well as call routing, changes so that the maximum number of connection requests can be granted while maintaining acceptable quality of service (QoS) for various services. Within this framework, we present a mathematical model for network design (dimensioning) taking into account the variation of traffic during the day in a heterogeneous multi-service environment. We present computational results for various cost parameter values to show the effectiveness of such networks compared to static-VP based networks in terms of network cost.

The photonic Space-Division (SD) switching network is attractive for constructing flexible broadband networks. This paper first describes possible applications of the network. A broadband STM switching system, Digital Cross-connect System (DCS) and Video signal distribution switch, especially for HDTV signals, are attractive near term applications. Recent activities on photonic SD switching network developments aiming at these application are also reviewed. A 128 line prototype switching system has been developed. This system utilizes LiNbO3 photonic switch matrices, semiconductor traveling wave amplifiers (TWAs) and three dimensional optical interconnections for multi stage switching networks. It is confirmed that the system has been operating in providing 150Mb/s TV phone services and 600Mb/s HDTV distribution services with high stability. An experimental optical Digital Crossconnect System (optical DCS) has also been demonstrated. Line failure restoration operation at 2.4Gb/s has been successfully demonstrated. These experimental demonstrations prove that practical photonic switching systems are feasible with current technologies.