Improving IA-RWA algorithms in translucent networks by regenerator allocation

In this paper we present the impact of considering regenerator allocation when selecting routes and wavelengths in translucent networks. In the regular operation of translucent networks, i.e. with dynamic traffic, we assume that a certain number of 3R regenerators are installed in some nodes of the network. These regenerators break the optical transparency of the lightpaths, but allow establishing the optical connections with the required optical signal quality. We show the performance improvement of the MINCOD-Q IA-RWA algorithm when an efficient regenerator allocation policy is employed (optical regeneration is only performed when the signal quality goes bellow a pre-established threshold). Under this policy, the (extended) MINCOD-Q algorithm performs slightly better in terms of blocking probability, but and most important, this figure is obtained with a significant reduction of the number of 3R regenerators installed in the network.