Optimal wavelength converter placement in arbitrary topology wavelength-routed networks

This paper describes an algorithm for optimally placing a given number of wavelength converters in all-optical networks with arbitrary topologies. We first introduce the simple network model upon which the algorithm is based. We provide a formulation of the overall network blocking probability when a given number of nodes in the network, is provided with full wavelength conversion capability. We then present our optimal converter placement algorithm and illustrate its working using a simple example. The savings offered by our algorithm in the calculation of blocking performance are analyzed. The benefits of our optimal converter placement algorithm are studied through network examples such as the path, NSFnet and the mesh-torus. Finally, some heuristics for converter placement are presented. q 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.