Investigation of the tolerance of wavelength-routed optical networks to inaccuracy in traffic load forecasts

Abstract

We propose a novel method to quantify the tolerance of wavelength-routed optical network designs to inaccuracy in traffic-load forecasts. A comprehensive study of network tolerance is presented, considering a range of network sizes and topologies, and traffic levels and nonuniformity. We also assess the effect of sparse wavelength conversion on network tolerance and compare wavelengthconverter placement strategies. The number of wavelengths required in static operation of the network shows a strong correlation with the network tolerance. This finding can be used to simplify the network design process.