Lightpath Reconfiguration in Regional IP-over-WDM Networks by a Centralized Control System

Abstract

Lightpath reconfiguration performance has been evaluated experimentally for regional IP-over-WDM network applications, making the network scalable and stable when traffic changes occur. The reconfiguration performance was examined in an experimental network with reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (R-OADMs) to connect 4 nodes with bi-directional dual-fibers. The experiment was conducted by controlling the R- OADMs. The control signals were sent by a developed system over WWW (World-Wide-Web). The lightpaths were added or deleted by the control system in the experimental network, and IP packets were monitored. The results clarified that lightpaths could be reconfigured by controlling the R-OADMs, and IP packets could be routed dynamically by OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) so as to adapt the lightpath changes. The reconfiguration functions of the system together with the R- OADMs provide network administrators with easy management for the network in a skill-less, centralized and remotely- controlled way.