Abstract: In an automatically switched optical network, the wavelengths are assigned to optical path based on their intrinsic physical performance and on the current network operating parameters. The wavelength performance information is organized in binning tables, based primarily on the wavelength reach capabilities. A network topology database provides the distance between the nodes of the network, which is used to determine the length of the optical path. Other network operating parameters needed for wavelength selection are also available in this database. Once a bin corresponding to the path length is identified in the binning table, the wavelength for that path is selected based on length only, or based on the length and one or more additional parameters. The optical path performance is estimated for the selected wavelength, and the search continues if the estimated path performance is not satisfactory.

Abstract: In an automatically switched optical network, the wavelengths are assigned to optical path based on their intrinsic physical performance and on the current network operating parameters. The wavelength performance information is organized in binning tables, based primarily on the wavelength reach capabilities. A network topology database provides the distance between the nodes of the network, which is used to determine the length of the optical path. Other network operating parameters needed for wavelength selection are also available in this database. Once a bin corresponding to the path length is identified in the binning table, the wavelength for that path is selected based on length only, or based on the length and one or more additional parameters. The optical path performance is estimated for the selected wavelength, and the search continues if the estimated path performance is not satisfactory.

Abstract: An agile transparent network with a trail routing and switching (also called “engineering”) mechanism is provided that enables efficient use of regenerators and wavelengths available in the network, while maintaining a very efficient time-to-service. The trail engineering mechanism allows fast, automatic establishment of new connections based on the current network architecture, connectivity and loading and also on conditions in the connection request. Selection of regenerator sites and of the wavelengths used on each regenerator segment is performed with optimal use of current network resources, while ensuring that the quality of the selected trail is adequate for the respective call. The mechanism provides for both distance and performance balancing, and it optimizes the network response time.

Abstract: A connection between a source node and a destination node is automatically routed and switched in a WDM photonic network, on receipt of a connection request. A switching and routing mechanism selects a plurality of valid link paths using a path tree, where invalid branches are eliminated based on constraints received in the connection request, and on a link and path cost functions. A regenerator placement tree is used for determining a plurality of viable regenerator paths for each valid link path. On the regenerator placement tree, non-viable branches are eliminated based on constraints received with the request and on regenerator availability at the intermediate nodes along the respective path, and on the specification of these available regenerators. Next, the switching and routing mechanism assigns a set of wavelengths to each viable regenerator path, and estimates the performance of the path using a Q estimator.

Abstract: An agile transparent network with a trail routing and switching (also called “engineering”) mechanism is provided that enables efficient use of regenerators and wavelengths available in the network, while maintaining a very efficient time-to-service. The trail engineering mechanism allows fast, automatic establishment of new connections based on the current network architecture, connectivity and loading and also on conditions in the connection request. Selection of regenerator sites and of the wavelengths used on each regenerator segment is performed with optimal use of current network resources, while ensuring that the quality of the selected trail is adequate for the respective call. The mechanism provides for both distance and performance balancing, and it optimizes the network response time.

Abstract: A connection between a source node and a destination node is automatically routed and switched in a WDM photonic network, on receipt of a connection request. A switching and routing mechanism selects a plurality of valid link paths using a path tree, where invalid branches are eliminated based on constraints received in the connection request, and on a link and path cost functions. A regenerator placement tree is used for determining a plurality of viable regenerator paths for each valid link path. On the regenerator placement tree, non-viable branches are eliminated based on constraints received with the request and on regenerator availability at the intermediate nodes along the respective path, and on the specification of these available regenerators. Next, the switching and routing mechanism assigns a set of wavelengths to each viable regenerator path, and estimates the performance of the path using a Q estimator.