Optical Cross-Connect System for

Survivable Optical Layer Networks

Hideaki Tsushima ABSTRACT: This paper describes our recent approach toward
Shoichi Hanatani advanced optical layer networks through the development of an
optical cross-connect (OXC) system. The OXC prototype system
Tatsuo Kanetake
focuses on providing survivability through restoration against failures,
John A. Fee such as cable/fiber cut, in optical layer networks with mesh and ring
Shoa-Kai Liu topologies. Its features include (a) a unique switch matrix architecture
with extremely low insertion loss, (b) a high-speed restoration of less
than 150 ms, and (c) an element manager prototype system with a
user-friendly graphics interface. Feasibility toward the deployment of
the OXC system has also been confirmed by a field trial using the
network operator’s in-field, installed fiber cables.

INTRODUCTION SONET layer

RECENTLY, the development and standardization of
optical layer networks have been extensively
promoted.(1)-(6) Optical layer networks are expected to
provide functionality such as transport, multiplexing,
routing, supervision and survivability of client digital
signals, processed predominantly in the optical
domain. The network is expected to achieve large
transport capacity mainly for the backbone fiber
networks with various topologies. To fully utilize the
optical layer networks’ functionality, and to achieve
large capacity transmission, the use of wavelength-
division-multiplexing (WDM) technologies have
proven to be the most promising. These technologies
enable the signals to be transported via multiple
wavelength channels through a single fiber and, to
switch the signals with a granularity based on a
wavelength channel.
Due to the large transport capacity achieved by the
networks, failures which occur cause huge losses of
data and a great influence upon a large number of
users over a wide area. Therefore, the survivability of
whole networks has to be pursued more seriously. The
optical cross-connect (OXC) is expected to be a key
system which provides survivability through optical
restoration (and protection) by switching to alternative
routes in the optical layer. The switching performed
within the optical layer will be able to achieve high-
speed restoration against the failure/degradation of
cables, fibers, and optical amplifiers.
• TDM
• DXC/ADM
• OC-N
Optical layer
• WDM
• OXC/OADM
• OC-N ´ n (n71)
: Node
Fig. 1—Layered Structure of Optical Networks and the
Existing SONET Network.
The optical layer is the server layer of SONET. The OXC is a
key device designed to achieve higher survivability and
effective bandwidth management in the optical domain.
This paper describes our recent approach toward the
advanced optical layer networks through the
development of the OXC system. The OXC prototype
provides survivability through restoration against
failures, such as cable/fiber cut, in optical layer
networks with mesh and ring topologies. The necessity
of the OXC system for survivable optical layer
networks, the features of the developed prototype
system, and a feasibility study are described.
OXC SYSTEM FOR SURVIVABILITY
Fig. 1 shows the layered structure of the optical
network and the existing SONET (synchronous optical
network; signal hierarchy defined by American
National Standards Institute). The SONET layer
performs time-division multiplexing (TDM) in the

Hitachi Review Vol. 47 (1998), No. 2 85


electrical domain to aggregate capacity. The circles
depicted in Fig. 1 denote nodes comprising the
terminal equipment and cross-connection equipment of
either a digital cross-connect (DXC) or an add/drop
multiplexer (ADM). DXC is available for all network
topologies, while ADM is specifically applied to ring
topologies. The lines between the nodes denote
transport line signals with granularity of an optical
carrier level, N (OC-N). The optical layer is assumed
to be the server layer of SONET. Each OC-N is given a
single wavelength which complies with the ITU-T
(International Telecommunication Union,
Telecommunication Standard Sector)
recommendation, (7) and wavelength division
multiplexing (WDM), which is applied in the optical
domain to aggregate capacity. The granularity of the
signal is, therefore, OC-N ´ n (n ³ 1), i.e., the entire
WDM signal. The huge capacity of the transport
signal requires a higher survivability and more
effective bandwidth management in the optical
domain. The OXC is expected to be a key system for
this purpose, and will be applicable to any network
topology (mesh, ring, point-to-point).
There are two types of OXCs, both classified by
considering the layered model,(6) since the optical
multiplex section (OMS) layer and the optical channel
(OCH) layer perform the cross-connection at different
granularities, as shown in Table 1. The granularity for
the OMS-OXC is multiplexed optical channels, i.e.,
OC-N ´ n, where n is an integer greater than 1. The
basic function entails routing the entire WDM signal
by fiber switching. This enables the OXC to provide a
function of restoration against failures in the optical
layer, such as cable/fiber cut. It is also applicable in
fiber-facility management for maintenance and
reconfiguration. The restoration function is essential
for ensuring the survivability of the optical layer
network. On the other hand, the OCH-OXC provides
TABLE 1. Types of OXC
There are two types of OXCs. OMS-OXC performs the cross-connection at the OMS layer. OCH-OXC
performs the cross-connection at the OCH layer.
Type Granularity for
cross-connection
Multiplexed
OMS-OXC optical channels
(OC-N ´ n)
Individual
OCH-OXC optical channel
(OC-N)
86
equipment
l1, ..., l8 l1, ..., l8
Demultiplexer
Restoration fibers Working fibers
l1, ..., l8 l1, ..., l8
Multip lex er
Mu ltip lexer
switch fabric
OCH-OXC
WDMterminal
OMS-OXCswitchfabric
Demultiplexer
l1, ..., l8 l1, ..., l8
(a) (b)
Fig. 2—Functional Blocks of Two Types of OXCs. OMS-OXC
comprising a switch fabric which switches WDM signals. OCH-
OXC comprising a switch fabric and wavelength
demultiplexer/multiplexer for switching individual wavelengths. ln
denotes a wavelength and ‘n’ of 1, 2, ..., 8 is an example.
the cross-connection for the granularity of the
individual optical channel of OC-N ´ 1. The routing of
individual wavelengths makes it possible to groom
individual wavelength paths. As a result, the OCH-
OXC is capable of performing wavelength-based
restoration, as well as bandwidth management (based
on wavelength), which will be requisite in the optical
layer for large numbers of incorporated wavelengths.
Fig. 2 shows examples of the functional blocks
for each type of OXC. Since the OMS-OXC
switches bundle WDM signals, the wavelength
demultiplexer or multiplexer is not always needed in
the system. The switch fabric of OMS-OXC accepts
multiple inputs of WDM signals, and switches the
connections between the inputs and output fibers.
Since the OCH-OXC cross-connects individual
wavelengths, it must consist of a switch fabric and
wavelength demultiplexers and multiplexers in both
the input and output sides of the fabric, respectively.
The migration of optical layer networks strongly
Function
Routing of WDM signal by fiber switching for;
(1) Restoration against failures in optical layer,
(2) Fiber facility management
Routing of individual wavelength for;
(1) Bandwidth management and reconfiguration,
(2) Restoration against failures in optical layer
Hitachi Review Vol. 47 (1998), No. 2
depends on the penetration of WDM technology into the
network. Even at the initial stage of optical layer
networks, the achievable capacity per fiber is already
very large, which ensures that survivability is
indispensable at this stage of the optical layer network.
Although bandwidth management (based on the
wavelength) is also essential, it will be required at the
relatively matured migration stage of optical layer
networks in which WDM technologies are fully
penetrated. Consequently, we have adopted two phases of
development for the OXC, the first phase for the OMS-
OXC system, focusing on survivability, while the second
phase for the OCH-OXC system, providing bandwidth
management based on the wavelength. Initially, the first-
phase development will have the higher priority for
introducing the optical-layer network concepts and
technologies into commercial networks.
OXC PROTOTYPE SYSTEM
The OMS-OXC system, which focuses on
survivability, has been developed as part of the first
phase of development,(8) the basic specifications of
which are shown in Table 2. When the fiber/cable in
the mesh network is inadvertently cut, the system
restores itself by switching from the working fibers
to the restoration fibers. Here, the restoration fibers
are shared by many working fibers to realize the
efficient use of fiber facilities. Fig. 3 shows five
OXC nodes placed in a simulated backbone mesh-
network. Restoration of the system following a
break in the cable between OXC-1 and 2 is obtained
through the collaborative functioning of OXC-1, 2,
3, 4 and 5. A restoration time of less than 150 ms
has been achieved for any fiber channel.
A photograph of the five OXCs developed is shown
in Fig. 4. Fiber-mechanical optical switches are used
as the switch elements. These have a bit-rate,
wavelength transparencies, and a high optical isolation
TABLE 2. Basic Specifications of OXC Prototype System
The system restores against cable/fiber cut by fiber switching. Per-fiber
restoration time of less than 150 ms has been achieved.
Items Characteristics
Topology Mesh/ring
Failure Cable/fiber cut
Function Restoration by fiber switching
Number of nodes 5
Fibers/node 16 (max.)
Restoration time &150 ms
Optical Cross-Connect System for Survivable Optical Layer Networks
: Working fiber
: Restoration fiber OXC-5
OXC-2 OXC-4
OXC-3 OXC-1
Fig. 3—OXC Network.
Five OXC nodes are placed in a simulated backbone mesh-
network. Restoration against a cable cut between OXC-1 and
-2 is obtained through collaborative functioning of OXC-1, 2,
3, 4 and 5.
greater than 60 dB per switch, which is essential in
high-speed WDM transmission systems. Using these
switches, it is possible to achieve a 16 ´ 16
switching capability.
One of the prominent features in the OXC prototype
system is the low insertion loss obtained using a unique
optical-switch architecture (Fig. 5). This architecture
reduces the number of switch elements by limiting the
freedom of fiber connections among sections of the line-
terminating equipment (LTE) and fibers.(9) It also
connects the LTE with the working fibers during normal
operations, and switches the connections to restoration
fibers in case of fiber/cable failure. Connections among
restoration fibers are used for transit signals. An optical
performance monitor (OPM) is used to monitor the fiber
status of the working and restoration fibers. This unique
switch architecture requires a single switch element and
an OPM for the connection between the LTE and the
working fiber. The resulting loss obtained from an OXC
connection is shown in Fig. 6 (a), where the average loss
is 1.16 dB. This small loss allows existing networks to
accommodate the OXC without additional optical
amplifiers. When a fiber/cable failure occurs, the optical
switch in the working fiber makes a connection between
the LTE and the restoration fibers through the optical
switch matrix (Fig. 5). The average loss incurred by the
seven serially-connected optical switches and the OPM
during restoration is 3.74 dB [Fig. 6 (b)]. The bit-error
rate (BER) characteristics of the OXCs were measured at
10 Gbit/s. No degradation in the BER was observed, as
confirmed
87
 Display PC for network
Display of
fiber status
Communication
To/from other
four OXCs
OXC
Firmware Node controller

Communication

Communication
SW control
Re-routing

Fig. 4—A View of Five
OXCs Developed.
Optical switches with bit-rate and wavelength
transparencies were used as a switch element. 16 ´ 16 switching
capability was achieved within a single bay.
Fiber-status
monitoring
To/from other four OXCs
Fig. 7—Functional Blocks of Control Software.
High-speed restoration has been also achieved by
automatic re-routing using fiber-status monitoring.
Each OXC has a node controller. A restoration
time per fiber of less than 150 ms is achieved.

by a comparison of these results with those obtained the OPM. When a failure is detected, one of the OXCs
from systems without OXCs. sends switch commands to the related OXCs. A
A second feature is the high-speed restoration restoration time per fiber of less than 150 ms is
achieved by automatic re-routing, using fiber-status achieved. A diagram of the functional blocks of the
monitoring. Each OXC has a node controller which control software is shown in Fig. 7. The functions of
receives reports on the fiber status periodically from the SW control and fiber-status monitoring are
implemented in firmware, and the routing table is
contained in the controller. The functions of the
Working fibers display PC are similar to those of the element
Route 4
managers which show the current status of all the
fibers in the network. The user-friendly graphic
Route 3

Route 2 Line-

Route 1

OPM SW
terminating

interface is shown in Fig. 8. All the nodes which have

equipment
OXCs in the network are displayed. The fibers
Fiber
status connected between the nodes are shown with their
Restoration fibers Node
SW matrix current status. The tables positioned on the right side
Route 4 controller
Route 3 Switch of the display show a log of the restoration time.
Route 2 command

Route 1 OPM Other OXCs

Fig. 5—Unique Switch Matrix Architecture.

Low insertion loss has been achieved by using a unique
optical-switch matrix architecture which reduces the number of
switch elements by limiting the freedom of fiber connections
among pieces of LTE and fibers.

15 15
Samples: 28 (total) Samples: 19 (total)
Number ofsamples

Number ofsamples

10 Average: 1.16 dB 10 Average: 3.74 dB

5 5

0 0

0 0.5 1.0 1.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0

Insertion loss (dB) Insertion loss (dB)
(a) For connection between (b) For connection between
LTEs and working fibers LTEs and restoration fibers Fig. 8—User-Friendly Graphical User Interface.
Functions of a display PC are similar to those of
Fig. 6—Diagrams of the Insertion Loss of Optical Switches. element managers, showing fiber status in the network.

88 Hitachi Review Vol. 47 (1998), No. 2

 N2 N2
Network upgrade

(reconfiguration)
N3 N4
Ring 1 Ring 2
N3 N4
Fig. 9—Logical Network
Shared restoration N5 Configurations of Optical Ring
and Mesh Topologies at the Field
N1 : OXC node N1 Trial in MCI’s Metro Dallas
: working line Network.
OC-48 : restoration line OC-48 Either ring or mesh topologies
: transmission equipment OC-192
can be applied to the network by
Ring configuration Mesh configuration switching control software.

FIELD TRIAL installed as shown in Fig.10.

A field trial of such advanced prototype systems
is essential to promote these new technologies for
practical use. System performances and their effects
on certain applications were evaluated using in-field
installed optical fiber networks, which is a part of
the metro Dallas networks of MCI
(10)
Telecommunications Corp. (MCI).
The five separate 16 ´ 16 OXC nodes were installed
in three MCI offices with both OC-48 (2.5 Gbit/s) and
OC-192 (10 Gbit/s) transmission terminals, based on
bi-directional WDM schemes. The restoration line
lengths, through non-dispersion-shifted and long-span
fibers, range between 50 km and 400 km. Optical
amplifier repeaters were required for use over long
distances. A DS1 (digital signal level 1) WAN network
was used to carry the information controlling the five
OXC nodes.
In order to insure the OXC network expendability,
we have developed two types of control software to
support the optical ring and mesh configurations, and
evaluated the OXC network reconfigurability for both
configurations, as shown in Fig. 9. In actual networks,
A network restoration time of less than 150 ms was
achieved, even over a 400 km restoration route. No bit-
error rate degradation was measured at either of the
OC-48 and OC-192 rates, while the break in the call of
switched voice was comparable to that observed in
SONET rings. The frame-relay application also
showed the same service impacts as those experienced
by the SONET automatic line-protection switches. In
the ATM application, a linear-cell loss rate of a few
hundred cells/ms was observed during the duration of
the optical outage, signifying that no additional service
degradation, other than brief signal interruption during
switching, was given to the application.
Through the field trial, the restoration by OXC
through in-field, installed networks was successfully
confirmed and the effects of optical restoration on
various applications were evaluated.
Irving
N2
15.7 km 288 km

there are many kinds of applications which transmit

signals through optical networks. The switched voice, Dallas downtown
ATM video, and frame-relay data were applied to the Campbell Creek

transmission terminal tributaries via OC-12 and DS3 N1

Dallas downtown MCI laboratory
interfaces in order to evaluate the effects of restoration N4
by OXC on the applications. N3
The physical trial configuration includes two 30 km : OXC bay
N5
downtown Dallas office buildings, MCI’s laboratory, : Transmission equipment
Campbell Creek in Richardson, north of Dallas, and
Fig. 10—Physical Network Configuration of the Field Trial in
Irving, west of Dallas (Fig. 10). The five OXC nodes MCI’s Metro Dallas Network.
and all sections of the transmission equipment were Five OXC bays were installed in three sites of the network.

Optical Cross-Connect System for Survivable Optical Layer Networks 89

CONCLUSIONS
This paper has described our recent approach
toward the advanced optical layer networks through
the development of the OXC system. The OXC
prototype system focuses on providing survivability
through restoration against failures in the optical
layer network with mesh and ring topologies. Its
features include (a) a unique switch matrix
architecture with an extremely low insertion loss, (b)
a high-speed restoration of less than 150 ms, and (c)
an element manager prototype system with a user-
friendly graphical interface. The feasibility toward
the deployment of the OXC system has also been
confirmed by a field trial conducted using a network
operator’s in-field, installed fiber cables.
Though successful results have been obtained, it
is apparent that there are still many issues which
have to be solved in order to establish complete
optical layer networks. Functions such as transport,
multiplexing, routing, and supervision are also
expected to be integrated in the optical layer. For the
global interworking of the optical layer networks, a
development which satisfies the requirements of
international standardization such as ITU-T is also
important. Hitachi will continue to make efforts
toward the deployment of advanced optical layer
networks in the year early 2000s.
REFERENCES
(1) G. R. Hill et al., IEEE Journal of Lightwave Technology 11,
No. 5/6 (May/June 1993), pp. 667–679.
(2) K. Sato et al., IEEE Journal of Selected Areas in
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(3) “Special Issue on Multiwavelength Optical Technology and
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6 (June 1996).
(4) B. Fabianek et al., IEEE Communication Magazine 35
(1997), pp. 50–56.
(5) R. F. Leheny, 21st European Conference on Optical
Communication (ECOC) ’95 (1995), p. 849.
(6) “Architecture of Optical Transport Networks,” Draft ITU-T
Recommendation, (Toronto, Canada: 8–18th Sept. 1997).
(7) “Optical Interfaces for Multichannel Systems with Optical
Amplifiers,” ITU-T Recommendation G. 692.
(8) H. Tsushima et al., Conference on Optical Fiber Communications
(OFC) ThD3, (San Jose, USA: February 1998).
(9) H. Sano et al., Photonics in Switching ’97, (Stockholm,
Sweden: April 1997), paper 84/PThA5-1.
(10)G. B. Davis et al., Conference on Optical Fiber
Communications (OFC), (San Jose, USA: February 1998).
90
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Hideaki Tsushima
Joined Hitachi, Ltd. in 1984. Belongs to the
Telecommunications Division. He is a group leader
of the fiber-optic transmission group in the
Development Center and is responsible for the
development of technologies for optical layer
networks. Member of IEEE.
E-mail: hideaki_tsushima@cm.tcd.hitachi.co.jp
Shoichi Hanatani
Joined Hitachi, Ltd. in 1982. Belongs to the
Telecommunications Division. He has been with
Hitachi Telecom (USA), Inc. since June 1996 as a
technical manager in the optical network group.
Member of IEEE.
E-mail: shanatan@hitel.com
Tatsuo Kanetake
Joined Hitachi, Ltd. in 1989. Belongs to the Central
Research Laboratory. He is responsible for research
in optical networks. Member of the Optical Society
of America, and the Japan Society of Applied
Physics. E-mail: kanetake@crl.hitachi.co.jp
John A. Fee
Advisory Engineer. Joined MCI Telecommunications
Corp. after working for many years on the optical
fiber and cable industry. John has provided
technology leadership for MCI since the day he
joined MCI. He is responsible for MCI’s technical
participation in development of the TAT 12/13
systems, and provided technical expertise to drive
the design of the Avantel transmission, multiplexer,
and digital cross-connect network. He has
aggressively represented MCI’s interests in domestic
and global standards forums. Member of the Optical
Amplifier Conference Committee and Advisory
Board; IEEE; Amateur Radio Operator; OSA. E-
mail: 0003128723@mcimail.com
Shoa-Kai Liu
Advisory Engineer in Advanced Technology and
Network Architecture Division /Network Technology
Development Department, MCI Telecommunications
Corp. He has been with MCI since 1982. He is taking
leadership roles in coordination and interface with
engineering groups within MCI in developing
advanced technology and product rollout for the MCI
network and services. He is also responsible for
technology selection, network architecture design,
technology trial, modeling, RFI development, vendor
and technology management. Chair of Application
Subcommittee of OFC ’98.
E-mail: 0003782383@mcimail.com
Hitachi Review Vol. 47 (1998), No. 2