Reconfiguration of Logical Topologies with Minimum Traffic Disruptions in Reliable WDM-Based Mesh Networks

A wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) network offers a flexible networking infrastructure by assigning the route and wavelength of lightpaths. We can construct an optimal logical topology, by properly setting up the lightpaths. Furthermore, setting up a backup lightpath for each lightpath improves network reliability. When traffic demand changes, a new optimal (or sub-optimal) topology should be obtained by again applying the formulation. Then, we can reconfigure the running topology to the logical topology obtained. However, during this reconfiguration, traffic loss may occur due to the deletion of older lightpaths. In this paper, we consider reconfiguring the logical topology in reliable WDM-based mesh networks, and we propose five procedures that can be used to reconfigure a running lightpath to a new one. Applying the procedures one by one produces a new logical topology. The procedures mainly focus on utilizing free wavelength resources and the resources of backup lightpaths, which are not used usually for transporting traffic. The results of computer simulations indicate that the traffic loss is remarkably reduced in the 14-node network we used as an example.