Humair Raza

Predeployment of resources in agile photonic networks

This paper shows that the main challenge in remotely configurable optical networks lies in how networks should be designed and sized for dynamic traffic in the face of uncertain forecasts, so as to minimize capital expenses, predominantly due to the need to predeploy (or overprovision) resources in preparation for the next connection request. In addition, this paper demonstrates how the operational savings promised by such capabilities measure up against the added capital expenses. Consequently, new ways to provision resources in the network to minimize these expenses are proposed. The results are based on real-world long-haul networks and costs.

Merits of low-density WDM line systems for long-haul networks

Conventional wisdom claims that the higher the number of wavelengths supported by a dense wavelength-division multiplexing transmission systems line system the better, since the high costs of amplifiers are split among more revenue-generating entities. For example, a 20/spl lambda/ link must cost less than 25% of the cost of an 80/spl lambda/ link to compete at full (80/spl lambda/) fill, assuming four 20/spl lambda/ links need to be deployed in parallel. We show that this is not necessarily the case if network considerations and technology evolution are taken into account. In particular, we show that a 20/spl lambda/ link can cost as high as 64-79% of the cost of an 80/spl lambda/ link and still be competitive at full fill, while providing much lower initial cost. This is because of the cost reduction of technology over time, economic considerations (net present value), nonuniform capacity needs in real networks, and how network maintenance can be achieved. We also reason why such lower end systems can indeed achieve the required cost reduction.

Pre-deployment of OEOs in agile photonic networks

We show that the main capital cost for remote configurability in optical networks lies in how OEO resources must be pre-deployed in preparation for the next connection request. Photonic switches reduce this cost significantly compared to electrical switches.