Control Mechanism for All-Optical Components

In this article, we give a brief overview of security and management issues that arise in all-optical networks (AONs). Then we present an outline of the multiple attack localization and identification (MALI) algorithm that can participate in some of the tasks for fault management in AONs. Consequently, we discuss a hardware-based control unit that can be embedded in AON nodes to accelerate the performance of the MALI algorithm. We conclude the article with a discussion concerning the applicability and implementation of this device in AON management systems.