A feasible dynamic lightpath setup solution for sparse-conversion-capacity WDM-routed networks based on 2-bit coded lambda state

We consider WDM-routed networks with sparse and limited conversion capacity. After building the framework for setting up lightpaths dynamically, we propose a request packet format embedded in signaling protocols to collect the status of routes on the fly. We define the lambda states: busy; free and continuous from the previous link; free but not continuous from the previous link. These states could be completely coded by 2 bits and updated into the proposed request packet, providing a full information picture of the routes. By manipulating the collected information, powerful wavelength assignment can be triggered, which provides enhancements for network performance. Analysis and simulation results show that our proposals outperform those of previous works in terms of blocking performance and complexity.