The objective of this paper is to give an overview of the different studies we have performed at the research level regarding the design and implementation of a photonic wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) layer providing transparent transport services to client layers (SONET/SDH, ATM, etc.). Such a network requires a number of enabling factors to be assessed in order to become a reality. Among these factors are the availability of high-capacity WDM transmission systems and efficient optical routing nodes based on mature technology, the design of robust networks optimizing the utilization of resources, and the development of a management system in accordance with presently applied standards for transport networks. We review our achievements in these different fields.
['A. Jourdan', 'Fatima Bakhti', 'L. Berthelon', 'F. Bruyere', 'Michel W. Chbat', 'Dominique Chiaroni', 'C.E. Drion', 'G. Eilenberger', 'M. Garnot', 'F. Masetti', 'Philippe A. Perrier', 'M. Renaud']
Key building blocks for high-capacity WDM photonic transport networks