Overcome the latency, capacity and energy bottle¬necks in network nodes and network interconnects by using optical devices. We cover various levels of technology research from chip design and chip pack¬aging towards networks architectures and control and management aspects. The different innovative devices (switches and interconnects) are deployed for solving challenges in areas such as Data Center Networks and metro and wide-area networks. Device work is complemented with design/fabrication and evaluation of HW and SW needed for device control. Software defined networks and Field Programmable Gate arrays are used to insure minimal end to end latency for data packets and scalable solutions.