A Study in current dynamic fragmentation-aware RSA algorithms

Recently proposed Elastic Optical Networks (EON) provide optimized bandwidth utilization through a better fitting match between connection bandwidth requirements and spectrum occupation. In an EON, lightpaths are established using a Routing and Spectrum Assignment (RSA) algorithm. Nonetheless, a novel problem arises in EON, known as the fragmentation problem. Indeed, as connections are dynamically established and terminated, spectrum may become fragmented and jeopardize the establishment of future connections. In this situation, the contiguity and continuity constraints in the RSA problem are harder to be guaranteed and therefore connections' blocking probability increases. In this paper we present and analyse some fragmentation-aware RSA algorithms currently found in the literature and analyse their performance when implemented alone or in tandem.