Embedded real-time intelligence in the physical layer of telecommunication networks

The paper presents a development environment for the implementation of distributed real-time intelligence in the physical layer of optical telecommunication networks. An investigation is made into the meaning of the term intelligence in present-day telecommunication context. It is shown that the availability of local real-time intelligence on the physical network layer is becoming essential for the design and operation of future networks. An implementation is presented in the form of a layered distributed control system with star topology. After a general description of the system architecture, the paper concentrates on the use of Forth for the implementation of real-time system intelligence. It is further demonstrated that the concept of Forth ideally suits the particular needs of embedded real-time control in optical telecommunication systems.<>