On the comparison of optical WDM mesh network protection strategies

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of three optical wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) mesh network protection approaches, name minimal cost, single link basis and disjoint path approaches. The operation of each approach is described and their performances are extensively evaluated and compared. Key aspects that are taken into the consideration and comparison of the designs include a spare capacity requirement, ease of operation and practical feasibility. A mathematical model based on integer linear programming is introduced to obtain a lower bound on the spare capacity requirement for full protection against all single link failures. Two heuristic algorithms have also been developed to perform wavelength resource under both normal and failure conditions for both systems with and without wavelength conversion capability. It is shown that the minimal cost approach can accomplish the lowest extra cost requirement for protection, but this approach is considered not appropriate for practical applications due to complicated restoration and management. The single link basis scheme is on the other hand more practical and very cost efficient. For the disjoint path technique, the cost for spare capacity is generally slightly greater than that of the single link basis scheme. Its main advantages lie in the simple reconfiguration and inherent protection against node failure for in-transit traffic. Finally, a new framework for obtaining a good spare capacity cost estimate of a mesh restorable network is presented.