Effectiveness of wavelength/waveband conversion and its allowable cost bound for hierarchical optical path networks

We analyze cost reductions possible with the introduction of a waveband converter or both wavelength and waveband converters to hierarchical optical path networks. We propose network design algorithms that are based on multistage integer linear programming (ILP) or heuristics. Numerical experiments prove that by employing waveband converters or both waveband and wavelength converters, hierarchical optical path networks can be cost effective over wide traffic demand ranges and a broad converter cost range.