Reconfigurable optical backhaul and integrated routing algorithm for load balancing in hybrid optical-wireless access networks

Various wireless and optical access technologies have been developed to address different issues in access networks. By combining the complementary characteristics of wireless and optical networks, a hybrid optical-wireless access network will enable broadband, ubiquitous, and cost-effective last-mile service to the users. In this paper, a reconfigurable optical backhaul leveraging both the standard Time Division Multiplexing Passive Optical Network (TDM-PON) technology and wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) ring is proposed to achieve a higher bandwidth efficiency than simply using point-to-point backhaul links. Furthermore, an integrated routing algorithm which can adapt to the change of overall demand among different service districts by taking advantage of the proposed optical backhaul is also proposed. An experimental testbed is implemented to evaluate the reconfigurable scheme and its feasibility. Also, simulation results show that the proposed integrated routing with load balancing can improve the performance in hybrid optical and wireless networks.