Optimization of Resource Allocation in Optical Networks

Resource allocation in communication networks employs different algorithms to efficiently allocate several resources like time, bandwidth, so on as demanded by the user at the source requiring to establish communication with another user at the destination. The choice of a suitable resource allocation algorithm primarily influences the performance and capacity of a network, resource utilization. Since the resources are usually limited, effective utilization and allocation of resources becomes important. Optical network meets the requirements of applications requiring larger bandwidths in addition to numerous other merits. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) in optical networks is a technique that saves and hence provides higher bandwidths. The field of resource allocation is immensely growing and new algorithms are continuously evolving. Modifications of various optimization algorithms are being developed to provide a good, thereby optimal combination of route and wavelength. This paper presents an algorithm which is a modified version of genetic algorithm to allocate resources optimally. The proposed algorithm provides a solution to routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) problem in all optical WDM networks. The optimality of the path is decided on the basis of weights of links in the paths. The algorithm was simulated using MATLAB software. The simulation result shows a plot of blocking probability that is decreasing continuously and proves the algorithm to be good and comparable to the values obtained using genetic algorithm. It produces a good combination of route and wavelengths and hence proves to be an optimal solution for routing and wavelength assignment problem. This algorithm can be extended and further optimized for other communication networks. Various algorithms based on other optimization algorithms can be developed.