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Optical impairment aware path computation architecture in pce based network

Optical impairment aware path computation architecture in pce based network description/claims

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/895,283 filed Mar. 16, 2007 by Dunbar et al. and entitled “System for Optical Impairment Aware Path Computation Architecture in PCE Based Network”, which is incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in its entirety.

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Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is one technology that is envisioned to increase bandwidth capability and enable bidirectional communications in optical networks. In WDM networks, multiple data signals can be transmitted simultaneously between network elements (NEs) using a single fiber. Specifically, the individual signals may be assigned different transmission wavelengths so that they do not interfere or collide with each other. The path that the signal takes through the network is referred to as the lightpath. One type of WDM network, a wavelength switched optical network (WSON), seeks to switch the optical signals with fewer optical-electrical-optical (OEO) conversions along the lightpath, e.g. at the individual NEs, than existing optical networks.

One of the challenges in implementing WDM networks is the determination of the path for the various signals that are being transported through the network at any given time. Unlike traditional circuit-switched and connection-oriented packet-switched networks that merely have to determine a route for the data stream across the network, WDM networks are burdened with the additional constraint of having to ensure that the same wavelength is not simultaneously used by two signals over a single fiber. This constraint is compounded by the fact that WDM networks typically use specific optical bands comprising a finite number of usable optical wavelengths. Path computations can also be constrained due to other issues, such as excessive optical noise, along the lightpath.

In one embodiment, the disclosure includes an apparatus comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising receiving a path computation request comprising at least one path computation constraint, and determining whether there is a path through an optical network that satisfies the path computation constraints.

In another embodiment, the disclosure includes an apparatus configured to process a data structure comprising a flags field comprising at least one flag having one of an active state or an inactive state, wherein each flag is representative of an optical quality constraint.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a WSON system.

FIG. 2 is a protocol diagram of an embodiment of the communications between a path computation element (PCE) and a path computation client (PCC).

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an optical quality constraint (OQC) object.

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