Synthesis and throughput behaviour of WDM meshed-ring networks under nonuniform traffic loading

We study the SMARTNet (scalable multichannel adaptable ring terabit network), an optical wavelength-division packet-switching meshed-ring network employing wavelength routers. We investigate the ways to configure these wavelength routers in adapting to the underlying traffic matrix. One heuristic algorithm for this purpose is developed. We show that for any traffic matrix, the throughput performance of the SMARTNet employing wavelength cross-connect routing devices is upper bounded by that of a corresponding meshed-ring network employing store-and-forward switching devices. The difference diminishes as the number of employed wavelengths increases. Furthermore, for a specific meshed-ring: topology, we show that the above upper bound throughput level is achievable under uniform traffic loading at even a small number of wavelengths. Under nonuniform traffic loading, we show that a throughput level equal to 80 to 90% of the upper bound value can be achieved with a small number (five to seven) of wavelengths.