Including energy efficiency aspects in multi-layer optical network design

This paper investigates the influence of the network planning process on a higher energy-awareness of optical multi-layer core networks. In particular, we propose to remove redundant links in the network, and to route corresponding network traffic on other links. Based on the reduced network topology, we compute the required network equipment for realistic traffic demands using a network planning tool. Due to the lack of an accurate model for operational expenditures and energy consumption, we choose the link length as cost function. We show the applicability of our idea and demonstrate the energy saving potential using realistic network topologies.