Diverse Path Setup Schemes in Multi-Domain Optical Networks

This paper proposes a new scheme for diverse path setup in multi-domain optical networks, and presents its applicability along with other existing schemes. Ability to setup diverse paths is an important feature to improve resiliency. Currently, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is standardizing tools for automating optical path provisioning across multiple domains, such as Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) signaling to instantiate optical paths, and Path Computation Element (PCE) to perform path computation. However, details on diverse path setup schemes require further analysis. There are several existing schemes for diverse path setup, but they have deficiencies. An enhanced scheme is proposed to overcome such deficiencies. Applicability of the proposed scheme is presented along with existing schemes by considering various aspects. This includes quantifying the ability to find diverse paths by simulations. Furthermore, this paper presents challenges for further study, including specific issues in multi-domain transparent optical networks and inter-carrier considerations.