A time-wavelength assignment algorithm for a WDM star network

The first time-wavelength assignment algorithm for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) star-based local and metropolitan area networks is presented. The algorithm incorporates the unique aspects of WDM communication such as a number of tunable transmitters and receivers at each concentrator, the tuning time, and a limited number of wavelengths. The transmission duration is composed of two elements: the packet transmission time, and the overhead incurred due to the tunability of the system's transmitters and receivers. For a given traffic matrix, the algorithm obtains a TDM/WDM schedule with minimal packet transmission duration, while minimizing the tuning time.<
>