Packet QoS level classifier based on optical binary priority comparison

Next generation High-Speed optical packet switching networks require components capable of classifying incoming packet into the appropriate priority queue according to the service class of the packet. For the first time, we proposed an all-optical packet QoS (Quality of Service) level classifier employing a sequential binary packet priority comparator, which is implemented using the SOA-based optical logic gates. The performance of the optical binary packet priority comparator was verified experimentally at IGbit/s showing that the proposed scheme can operate higher data rates. These packet level classifier structures are attractive for all-optical network and applications.