  We propose an electro-optic approach for transparent optical networking, in
which frequency channels are actively transformed into any desired mapping in a
wavelength-multiplexed environment. Based on electro-optic phase modulators and
Fourier-transform pulse shapers, our all-optical frequency processor (AFP) is
examined numerically for the specific operations of frequency channel hopping
and broadcasting, and found capable of implementing these transformations with
favorable component requirements. Extending our analysis via a
mutual-information--based metric for system optimization, we show how to
optimize transformation performance under limited resources in a classical
context, contrasting the results with those found using metrics motivated by
quantum information, such as fidelity and success probability. Given its
compatibility with on-chip implementation, as well as elimination of
optical-to-electrical conversion in frequency channel switching, the AFP looks
to offer valuable potential in silicon photonic network design.
