A method includes obtaining a first packet, where the first packet has a length and comparing the length of the first packet to a length threshold. The method also includes when the length of the first packet is greater than or equal to the length threshold, placing the first packet in a long packet container and transmitting the long packet container to a first photonic switch and when the length of the first packet is less than the length threshold, placing the first packet in a first short packet container and transmitting the first short packet container to a second photonic switch.