Using a simple algorithm and platform in optical DWDM networks for reaching a satisfactory wavelength-routing assignment.

The wavelength-routing assignment (WRA) task for optical networks usually calls for massive computer resources. This paper shows that the economic disadvantages of WRA demands may be solved through the use of an ingenious modification of some complex algorithms and a widely available platform, such as Maple. This paper also shows that a conventional PC can solve, in a few minutes, the disadvantage of the need for powerful workstations, sometimes running in an overnight task. The routines described here can assign wavelengths to a DWDM optical network by using either a minimum route delay procedure or a minimum number of wavelengths per branch alternative. Case studies are presented where solving time and scalability issues are discussed. It is seen that the presented algorithm is an easily reproducible one, and uses widely available tools. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 28: 406–410, 2001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]