The design of a logical topology for a terabit wide-area optical network in South Africa

Abstract

A novel approach, based on statistical clustering using the Ward linkage as similarity metric, is proposed for designing optical network logical topologies. The geographic distribution of network traffic is taken into consideration, through a modified gravity model that uses regional economic activity to predict network demand. The intra/inter cluster traffic ratio is introduced as a tool for determining the number of hub nodes on the backbone of the multi-level network model. The proposed approach is demonstrated through the design of a logical topology for a hypothetical terabit wide-area optical network in South Africa.