Effectiveness of shared risk link group auto-discovery in optical networks

Abstract

We evaluated location-based methods for the auto-discovery of SRLGs, guided by the topology and design of AT&T's next generation transport network. The methods rely on location identifiers on active components. We found these techniques extremely effective in identifying SRLGs and associated link diversity relationships. SRLGs provide inputs necessary to plan for reliability in transport networks, but do not in themselves reveal connection diversity violations. Yet by combining SRLG inputs with SRLG-aware methods for routing links over the fiber topology, a transport service provider can provide diversity assurances that support strong SLAs.