Upgrading a Nationwide, Fiber-Based, Electronic Packet-Switched Network

We develop algorithms for the design of optical packet-switched networks. These algorithms are aimed at upgrading an existing ber-based, network infrastructure, such as the NSFNET backbone, by using Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology. The network architecture employs wavelength-routing optical switches which enable the establishment of all-optical, WDM channels, called lightpaths. A set of lightpaths may be used as a virtual topology over which packet-switched traac may be transported in a store-and-forward manner. The packet forwarding is done by electronic packet routers which are attached to the wavelength-routing optical switches. This paper examines issues related to the upgrading of an existing ber-based, packet-switched, electronic network to accommodate WDM, and to the optimal choice of the virtual topology based on changing traac demands. We demonstrate how the total information carrying capacity of the network can be enhanced by using WDM.