Dynamic bandwidth allocation with optimal wavelength switching in TWDM-PONs

Time and wavelength division multiplexed passive optical networks (TWDM-PONs) have been widely considered as one of the next evolutionary steps of optical access networks. A variety of algorithms exists that explore the problem of scheduling and wavelength assignment in TWDM-PONs. These algorithms, however, allow unlimited switching of wavelengths. In reality, wavelength switching increases guard bands due to the tuning and the switching time of components, limiting channel utilization and increasing packet delays. We propose a novel dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) algorithm for TWDM-PON that minimizes the performance degradation due to excessive wavelength switching.