Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) Fiber Optic Network Architecture Analysis, Modeling, Optimization and Demonstration for Aerospace Platforms

The proposed project will undertake the research, design, and development of key concepts, tools, and technologies for local-area optical networking, based on wave-division multiplexing, specifically targeted towards existing and emerging requirements for communication networks in advanced aerospace platforms. This project is proposed by a strong multidisciplinary team of industry and academic researchers, including subsystem and device experts from OptoNet Inc. and networking and systems experts from the University of Florida. In the first phase of this project (the focus of this proposal), the emphasis will be on the identification and integration of disparate requirements, the development and analysis of computer-based simulation models for candidate topologies and control methodologies, the determination of key metrics of performance, scalability, dependability, power, etc., and optionally the modeling and mapping of one or more legacy and emerging network protocols into the simulation environment. The results from this phase will lay the foundation for follow-on phases where candidate system and subsystem architectures will be developed and evaluated via advanced techniques in rapid virtual prototyping, network node requirements will be determined, and node and small-scale network prototypes will be constructed to demonstrate efficacy and properties of the approach in meeting the needs of advanced Navy aerospace systems.