Hierarchical routing in multi-domain optical networks

Given the increasing adoption of DWDM networking technology, there is now a growing need to address distributed inter-domain lightpath provisioning issues. Although inter-domain provisioning has been well studied for packet/cell-switching networks, the wavelength dimension presents many additional challenges. To address this challenge, a detailed hierarchical routing GMPLS-based framework for provisioning all-optical and opto-electronic multi-domain DWDM networks is presented. The scheme adapts various topology abstraction schemes to improve routing scalability and lower inter-domain blocking probabilities. Related inter-domain lightpath RWA and signaling schemes are also tabled. Performance analysis results are also presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanisms along with directions for future research work.