Dynamic provisioning of heterogeneous unicast/multicast traffic in IP-centric WDM-based optical networks

This thesis considers the problem of dynamically provisioning heterogeneous unicast/multicast traffic in next-generation IP-Centric WDM networks. Specifically, this work examines, through computer simulation and modeling, the technological requirements and assesses the performance analysis and feasibility for implementing next-generation data-centric optical networks capable of supporting real-time unicast as well as emerging multicast applications. Provisioning of either unicast or multicast connections requires algorithms for route (paths) selection, and signaling mechanisms to request and establish connectivity within the network along a chosen route(s).; Specifically, this work addresses the implementation issues of the path(s) selection mechanism of the traffic-engineering problem in such a network. Methodologies and associated routing algorithms for computation of unicast/multicast full wavelength channels as well as low-rate traffic streams are devised and outlined. Specifically, this work focuses on developing and implementing reliable, unified constraint-based dynamic routing models and algorithms within the generalized MPLS framework (GMPLS), to support real-time provisioning of unicast/multicast full wavelength optical channels as well as low-rate streams (sub-wavelength).; To implement our overall objectives, this thesis work is divided to two main phases: (1) Dynamic provisioning of unicast traffic only with the main goal of using the optimization procedures and performance results obtained in this phase as guidelines for the ultimate objective of dynamically provisioning both unicast and multicast traffic. (2) Dynamic provisioning of heterogeneous unicast and multicast traffic.