Distributed inter-domain lightpath provisioning in the presence of wavelength conversion

Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) has become the dominant transport layer technology for next-generation backbone networks due to its unprecedented capacity scalability. As a result, there is a pressing need to investigate lightpath provisioning in multi-domain DWDM networks. Although inter-domain provisioning has been well-studied for packet/cell-switching networks, the wavelength dimension (along with wavelength conversion) presents many added challenges. To address these concerns, a detailed GMPLS-based hierarchical routing framework for provisioning transparent/translucent/opaque multi-domain DWDM networks is presented. The scheme adapts topology abstraction to hide internal domain state so as to resolve routing scalability and security issues. Specifically a novel full-mesh topology abstraction scheme is developed for full wavelength conversion domains, i.e., to disseminate additional wavelength converter state. Related inter-domain lightpath RWA and signaling schemes are also tabled. Performance analysis results are then presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanisms along with directions for future research work.