Extended concept of statistical lambda multiplexing network (SLAMNet)

The basic concept of a novel architecture called statistical lambda multiplexing network (SLAMNet) was proposed to provide a pair of routers with multiple transparent wavelength paths in a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) network. The architecture achieves statistical multiplex gain in use of limited wavelength resources by dynamically adjusting the number of wavelength paths according to the volume of traffic on a best-effort basis. The most striking feature of the architecture is to switch the wavelength paths without signaling between nodes operated asynchronously. Fundamental performance of the architecture was verified on an experimental system. The basic concept assumes a single hop network of switched wavelength paths, and the assumption limits flexibility and efficiency of network operation. In this paper, the basic concept is extended in order to apply SLAMNet to a multihop network of switched wavelength paths. Based on the extended concept, circuit-based and burst-based wavelength path assignment methods are discussed as implementation scenarios of the architecture.