Photonics in Switching provides a broad, balanced overview of the use of optics or photonics in switching, from materials and devices to system architecture. The chapters, each written by an expert in the field, survey the key technologies, setting them in context and highlighting their benefits and possible applications. This book is a valuable resource for those working in the communications industry, either at the professional or student level, who do not have extensive background knowledge or the underlying physics of the technology.

Applications of optical switching in network elements and communication networks are discussed in considerable depth. Optical circuits, packet, and burst switching are all included. Composed of distinct self-contained chapters with minimum overlaps and independent references. Provides up-to-date comprehensive coverage of optical switching, technologies, devices, systems and networks. Discusses applications of optical switching in network elements and communications networks.

This book introduces the reader to the optical switching technology for its application to data centers. In addition, it takes a picture of the status of the technology and system architecture evolution and of the research in the area of optical switching in data center. The book is organized in four parts: the first part is focused on the system aspects of optical switching in intra-data center networking, the second part is dedicated to describing the recently demonstrated optical switching networks, the third part deals with the latest technologies developed to enable optical switching and, finally, the fourth part of the book outlines the future prospects and trends.

While much has been published on the subject in individual articles, this text is the first to cohesively present optical switching in a single book. The three authors examine and discuss all the challenges involved in the commercialization of optical switching. Readers are brought up to date with the latest advances in research as well as the technological hurdles that researchers.