Evaluation of multi-layer (Ethernet/WSON) GMPLS-based path computation policies for dynamic VNT configuration

This paper focuses on the dynamic Virtual Network Topology (VNT) configuration in a multi-layer (CO-Ethernet over WSON) network controlled by a unified GMPLS control plane. An on-line multi-layer path computation based on the shortest path algorithm is devised, using a path cost function which depends on the state and the attributes of the network elements (i.e., nodes and links). The aim is to promote and to favor grooming strategies by means of the reuse of Forwarding Adjacency (FA) TE links. The performance evaluation is obtained through simulations and the results show the impact of the cost model selection which significantly does reduce the connection blocking probability and increase the usage of the network resources.