All-optical networks with sparse wavelength conversion

Abstract

Wavelength conversion is considered a key capability for improving the efficiency of wavelength-routed, wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) all-optical networks. We consider networks with an arbitrary number of wavelength converters and develop accurate analytical models of reasonable complexity for evaluating the blocking performance under a variety of dynamic input traffic. We also consider the problem of optimally placing a given number of wavelength converters on a path of a networks and develop a dynamic programming algorithm to solve it. This framework is used to obtain the optimal converter placement in bus and ring topologies. Finally, we consider the problem of wavelength assignment in fixed-routing networks with no wavelength conversion and develop efficient heuristics.