Routing and wavelength assignment algorithms improved by genetic algorithms

In a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) static wavelength routed optical network with given network topology and traffic load, the minimum number of required wavelengths obtained by the routing and wavelength assignment algorithms are associated with the node numbering order in the network. The optimum node numbering order corresponding to the minimum number of wavelengths required can be found with a genetic algorithm. The genetic algorithm can eliminate the stochastic behavior and blindness of the original statistical method. Numerical simulation shows that the optimum node numbering order is more quickly found by the genetic algorithm, and the minimum number of wavelengths required corresponding to the node numbering order is closer to the lower bound.