Dimensioning and optimization of the wavelength-division-multiplexed optical layer of future transport networks

This paper presents a global methodology and optimization options for dimensioning the WDM optical layer in future transport networks. Several optimization processes are discussed and compared with results on the same study case, the European Optical Network. In particular, the results show the significant benefits of wavelength conversion and the advantages of “least number of hops” path routing among the various path routing strategies for wavelength channels. The connection rerouting optimization process, which requires a more algorithmic approach, is described along with the different criteria used to choose the optimized parameters (load on the link, fiber utilization ratio, etc.). The results on the European Optical Network case study illustrate that a global point of view should be adopted when optimizing these parameters as some processes can lead to worse dimensioning results