Wavelength routing based on physical impairments

A set of guidelines for routing wavelengths in switched optical networks that is based on physical constraints is presented. Impact on signaling protocols is also discussed. One may still choose to break down the automatically switched optical network (ASON) into multiple sub-networks, but the choice will now be based on administrative or business considerations rather than physical constraints. Hence, we shall concentrate on the methods that may be employed in estimating the quality of service for a transparent wavelength connection through such an ASON.