An efficient algorithm for optimal wavelength converter placement on wavelength-routed networks with arbitrary topologies

This paper describes an algorithm for optimally placing a given number of wavelength converters in all-optical networks (AONs) with arbitrary topologies. We first introduce the simple network model upon which the algorithm is based. We explain how the blocking performance of the network can be obtained when a given number of converters are placed at the network nodes. We then present our optimal converter placement algorithm and illustrate its working using a simple example. The savings in calculation of the blocking performance offered by our algorithm is analyzed. Finally the benefits of our optimal converter placement algorithm is studied through network examples such as the path, NSFnet and the mesh-torus.