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Optical Burst Switching

Optical Burst Switching (OBS) is a method used in high-speed fiber optic networks to efficiently transmit large amounts of data. It works by grouping data packets into a "burst" and temporarily storing control information about the burst before sending it all at once through the network. This approach reduces the need for complex switches at every point, allowing for faster data transfer with minimal delay. Essentially, OBS coordinates the timing and delivery of large data chunks, optimizing the flow of information over optical fibers, which is vital for high-bandwidth applications like internet infrastructure and data centers.