Resource management in multi-segment optical networks using the blocking island paradigm

We study the routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) problem in multi-segment optical networks. In these networks, each segment has different resource availability or hardware characteristics. The differences between multi-segment optical networks and homogeneous optical networks are discussed. We then present a resource abstraction technique called blocking island and define a multi-segment BIG (blocking island graph) network model. Using a minimum splitting routing heuristic introduced in the context of the blocking island paradigm in conjunction with the multi-segment BIG model, we propose a general RWA algorithm that takes a combined view of the network resource to integrate routing, wavelength assignment and gateway selection in a single routing framework. Using simulation, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm by comparing it with other state-of-the-art heuristics in this area.