Automatic Hidden Elastic Optical Bypasses in Multi-Layer Networks

This paper focuses on handling traffic demands dynamically in a multi-layer IP-over-elastic optical network (IP-over-EON). We propose a mechanism that uses two types of optical resources. Some resources are visible for the network layer to serve IP traffic. Another part is hidden and reserved for handling congestions solely in the optical layer when resources in the network layer are insufficient. In such a case, the proposed algorithm tries to establish a new lightpath, allocating hidden optical resources. Extensive discrete-event computer simulations were conducted under various network conditions to evaluate the performance of the proposed solution, using two network topologies, the NSF15 and UBN24 networks. The results obtained confirm that the new solution allows for a significant decrease in the bandwidth blocking probability with better utilization of resources compared to the reference scenario (only IP).