Need of Algorithm Selection in Next Generation Optical Networks

2. Optical Path Computation Problem

The lightpath is the basic element in optical networks, which will flow through a route and in a particular wavelength between two nodes, by obeying the constraints of the wavelength namely distinct wavelength assignment and wavelength continuity constraint. The collection of such lightpaths which are satisfying or optimizing several QoT parameters like less congestion, delay, cost comprising the virtual topology. The design of the virtual topology involves finding the route and wavelength for every connection request while optimizing the overall/long term network performance like energy efficiency etc. Before the data is transferred through the optical medium the logical topology of the physical topology has to be computed by solving the RWA (Routing and wavelength assignment) sub problem for the evolving traffic demands. And moreover, such logical topology must be dynamically reconfigured in order to better adapt to evolving traffic demands.