On a virtual wavelength translation scheme for routing in all-optical networks

Commercially available fiber-optic cables allow limited numbers of wavelengths on a single fiber. In this paper we have developed a pragmatic method of implementing all-optical wavelength routed networks using bundles of fibers to realize each communication link. We have explored some interesting features of this approach for dynamic lightpath assignment. We have shown that our approach allows virtual wavelength translation where we may derive some benefits of partial wavelength translation without actually having to change the carrier frequency. This design also allows us to have bundles of varying sizes to accommodate anticipated differences in traffic through different communication links of the network. Finally, we have presented a simple dynamic scheme, based on local information alone, for allocating lightpaths.