Novel scheme for simple label-swapping employing XOR logic in an integrated interferometric wavelength converter

We present a novel scheme for all-optical label swapping that relies on logic exclusive-OR (XOR) in an integrated SOA-based Michelson interferometer. The scheme allows simple, efficient and mechanically stable operation, while relaxing the requirements on packet format and simplifying switch management. Furthermore, the label-swapping scheme does not require a guard band between the header and payload to perform alterations in the header. The method, which incorporates simultaneous wavelength conversion, is demonstrated at 10 Gb/s with negligible penalty and a high output signal-to-ASE ratio of /spl sim/35 dB.