Exploiting Dual Homing in Access Networks to Improve Resiliency in Core Networks

Abstract

We propose a network architecture consisting of long-reach passive optical network-based access and a transparent optical core network. The end users are connected to the remote node or the local exchange (LE) through an optical distribution network, and the remote node is connected by disjoint feeder fiber links to central offices located in two distinct metro/core (MC) nodes. This method of connecting a single remote node to two geographically separate MC nodes for dedicated protection in case of feeder fiber failure is referred to as dual homing. In this work, we explore the benefits of dual homing in the access in simultaneously providing better resilience and load balancing in the core network considering connections between LEs. While looking into the benefits of dual homing in terms of network resiliency, we also explore whether the path redundancies added by dual homing play a role in providing efficient distribution of load across the core network and thereby reduce the cost of provisioning capacity in terms of number of lightpaths, transponders, etc. Dual homing at both the source and destination LEs offers more options for paths between LEs through the core network. Our results show that dual-homed access proves to be advantageous over single-homed access in terms of enhancing both core network resiliency and facilitating better load balancing.