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WSON Background

Mon, 07/14/2008 - 17:18 — Greg

Wavelength Switched Optical Networks (WSON) are Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) based networks that include switching elements that can switch based on the wavelength or the frequency of signals transported over optical fiber. Although originally included in the overall set of Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) based control plane protocols, optical technology developments have gone beyond the optical systems originally envisioned within GMPLS. Hence this current work aims to extend GMPLS and related technologies, in particular, the path computation element (PCE) to provide robust control of these emerging optical networks.

The basic control plane standards thrust can be divided into the following areas:

  • Overall control plane approach to WSONs including key scope limitations of this initial effort.
  • An information model and encoding for use in path computation for WSONs. In the optical literature this path computation process is denoted by routing and wavelength assignment (RWA)
  • Extensions to the PCE communications protocol (PCEP) to allow path computation clients to request from a PCE server paths meeting WSON constraints and optimization criteria.
  • Extensions to the GMPLS signaling protocol (RSVP-TE) to facilitate the setup and tear down of WSON connections.

The following pages list WSON related drafts that we know of or have been involved in writing or editing. For those we have been involved with we will include an easily editable MS Word version suitable for use in proposing changes. However we do recommend you contact the authors prior to editing any documents to see (1) if this is the latest revision, and (2) if the change would be considered for inclusion.  Please make sure change tracking is on in MS Word so that we can easily see your suggestions.