Abstract: A method for blocking estimation to evaluate connection blocking in flexible optical wavelength division multiplexing WDM networks includes a novel Markovian model to analyze the steady state probabilities and connection blocking probability along a fiber in FWDM networks and finding the state dependent arrival rate for each type of line rate on a fiber

Abstract: A lightpath segmentation system and method for use in a GMPLS network is described. In one embodiment, lightpaths are divided into segments according to the distribution of the wavelength-converter-equipped optical switches, or nodes, within a WDM network. As the number of hops within the segment increases, a lightpath segmentation probability increases. When a wavelength-converter-equipped node receives an LSP Request message, it calculates the LPSP and, if the LPSP exceeds a threshold, the node sets up a lightpath between itself and the ingress node or a previous upstream wavelength-converter-equipped node, if the lightpath has already been segmented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for dynamic path protection in networks by finding two paths between a source node and a destination node in a network having multiple nodes and multiple links. A first path is found between the source node and the destination node using a routing algorithm and a model of the network. Each link has a cost and at least one risk identifier. The cost of the links having one or more risk identifiers that occur more than once in the network model are increased. The model is modified by removing all links in the first path and all links having one or more risk identifiers in common with any of the risk identifiers of the links in the first path. The second path is found between the source node and the destination node using the routing algorithm and the modified model.

Abstract: A lightpath segmentation system and method for use in a GMPLS network is described. In one embodiment, lightpaths are divided into segments according to the distribution of the wavelength-converter-equipped optical switches, or nodes, within a WDM network. As the number of hops within the segment increases, a lightpath segmentation probability increases. When a wavelength-converter-equipped node receives an LSP Request message, it calculates the LPSP and, if the LPSP exceeds a threshold, the node sets up a lightpath between itself and the ingress node or a previous upstream wavelength-converter-equipped node, if the lightpath has already been segmented.