WSON Standardization

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 GMPLS routing protocols (OSPF, IS-IS) to convey additional information relevant to WSONs.
• Extensions to the GMPLS signaling protocol (RSVP-TE) to facilitate the setup and tear down of WSON connections.
• Potentially alternative approaches to create and maintain a traffic engineering database (TED) on a PCE that can reduce some or all the load on an IGP for doing this.
• Considerations of optical impairments and the control plane (in close collaboration with ITU-T)

Attached below are overview slides given at OFC in 2008 and 2009. These contain some animations so view them in slideshow mode. 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. 

Instructions for Editing, Suggesting Changes, or Reorganization of Drafts

Simple edits of grammar, english usage or punctuation:Please make sure change tracking is on in MS Word so that we can easily see your suggestions and either  accept or reject the proposed changes.

Technical or substantial changes without reorganization: Once again MS-Word's change tracking feature can be used or highlight text you have added or want to see deleted.  You must furnish a reason for wanting the change. This is particularly important for documents that have obtained  "working group" status.

Reorganization and other substantial changes: MS Words change tracking feature doesn't work too well when we move sections around, i.e., it marks the whole moved section as a change and what we really need to show the co-authors and working group is what rearrangements we have made, what text is new and what text is to be deleted.  So for these kind of changes we'll try MS Words highlighting feature with three different colors - (a) one for added text, (b) one for text to be deleted, (c) one for Headings that have been reordered.)  With each block of text that is to be added, deleted, or moved we can use MS Word's comment feature to explain the reasoning behind the desired change