On the offline physical layer impairment aware RWA algorithms in transparent optical networks: state-of-the-art and beyond

In transparent optical networks with no regeneration, the problem of capacity allocation to traffic demands is called "Roting and Wavelength Assignment". Much work on this topic recently has focused on the dynamic case, whereby demands arrive and must be served in real-time. In addition, due to lack of regeneration, physical impairments accumulate as light propagates and QoT may become inappropiate (e.g., too high Bit Error Rate). Considering the physical layer impairments in the network planning phase gives rise to a class of RWA algorithms: offline Physical Layer Impairment Aware- (PLIA-)RWA. This paper makes a survey of such algorithms, proposes a taxonomy, and a comparison between these algorithms for common metrics. We also propose a novel offline PLIA-RWA algorithm, called POLIO-RWA, and show through simulations that it decreases blocking rate compared with other PLIA-RWA algorithms.Postprint (published version

Quality Analysis in Phase Modulated Radio Over Fiber in WDM/DWDM Network

There has been increasing demand for connection setup with a higher quality of service (QoS) in WDM/DWDM networks, especially in fields like radio over fibers, where phase modulation affects the link quality. Hence to meet guaranteed QoS in a phase modulated link, the effects of phase modulation on link quality is very much needed. The link quality is termed as quality factor (Q-factor). The primary objective is to use effectively the connections available to optimize the computed number of connections and reduce the blocked connections but at the same time guarantying QoS as per client’s need. The analysis has been done by taking care of routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) techniques. The performance analysis is presented in terms of blocking probability. This work includes detailed mathematical analysis of how phase modulation affects link Q-factor.Eight bands complimentary inner outer band, four bands complimentary inner outer band, and middle outer band wavelength assignment techniques are used for analysis.Blocking probability versus connection requests, blocking probability versus wavelengths assigned, connections accepted for a given source-destination pair were analyzed for different wavelength assignment techniques

An Overview on Application of Machine Learning Techniques in Optical Networks

Today's telecommunication networks have become sources of enormous amounts of widely heterogeneous data. This information can be retrieved from network traffic traces, network alarms, signal quality indicators, users' behavioral data, etc. Advanced mathematical tools are required to extract meaningful information from these data and take decisions pertaining to the proper functioning of the networks from the network-generated data. Among these mathematical tools, Machine Learning (ML) is regarded as one of the most promising methodological approaches to perform network-data analysis and enable automated network self-configuration and fault management. The adoption of ML techniques in the field of optical communication networks is motivated by the unprecedented growth of network complexity faced by optical networks in the last few years. Such complexity increase is due to the introduction of a huge number of adjustable and interdependent system parameters (e.g., routing configurations, modulation format, symbol rate, coding schemes, etc.) that are enabled by the usage of coherent transmission/reception technologies, advanced digital signal processing and compensation of nonlinear effects in optical fiber propagation. In this paper we provide an overview of the application of ML to optical communications and networking. We classify and survey relevant literature dealing with the topic, and we also provide an introductory tutorial on ML for researchers and practitioners interested in this field. Although a good number of research papers have recently appeared, the application of ML to optical networks is still in its infancy: to stimulate further work in this area, we conclude the paper proposing new possible research directions

A Survey on the Path Computation Element (PCE) Architecture

Quality of Service-enabled applications and services rely on Traffic Engineering-based (TE) Label Switched Paths (LSP) established in core networks and controlled by the GMPLS control plane. Path computation process is crucial to achieve the desired TE objective. Its actual effectiveness depends on a number of factors. Mechanisms utilized to update topology and TE information, as well as the latency between path computation and resource reservation, which is typically distributed, may affect path computation efficiency. Moreover, TE visibility is limited in many network scenarios, such as multi-layer, multi-domain and multi-carrier networks, and it may negatively impact resource utilization. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has promoted the Path Computation Element (PCE) architecture, proposing a dedicated network entity devoted to path computation process. The PCE represents a flexible instrument to overcome visibility and distributed provisioning inefficiencies. Communications between path computation clients (PCC) and PCEs, realized through the PCE Protocol (PCEP), also enable inter-PCE communications offering an attractive way to perform TE-based path computation among cooperating PCEs in multi-layer/domain scenarios, while preserving scalability and confidentiality. This survey presents the state-of-the-art on the PCE architecture for GMPLS-controlled networks carried out by research and standardization community. In this work, packet (i.e., MPLS-TE and MPLS-TP) and wavelength/spectrum (i.e., WSON and SSON) switching capabilities are the considered technological platforms, in which the PCE is shown to achieve a number of evident benefits

Experimental Demonstration of Impairment-Aware PCE for Multi-Bit-Rate WSONs

In emerging multi-bit-rate wavelength switched optical networks (WSONs), the coexistence of lightpaths operating at different bit-rates and modulation formats (e.g., based on amplitude and phase modulation) induces relevant traffic dependent detrimental effects that need to be considered during impairment-aware routing and wavelength assignment (IA-RWA). The considerable complexity of IA-RWA computation has driven the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to propose specific path computation element (PCE) architectures in support of IA-RWA for WSONs. In this paper, following the IETF indications, we expand two PCE architectures and experimentally evaluate five different PCE architectural solutions, performing either combined or separated impairment estimation and RWA, with on-line and off-line computation of impairment validated paths, and with the possible utilization of a novel PCE Protocol (PCEP) extension. Results in terms of traffic engineering performance, path computation delivery time and amount of exchanged PCEP messages are reported and discussed to highlight the benefits and application scenarios of the considered PCE architectures