Design procedures for backbone transport networks with shared protection: optimization-based models, exact and heuristic algorithms, and unavailability computations

This manuscript presents optimization-based design models and algorithms for reliable backbone transport networks. Due to their efficiency in providing data services and high data rates, dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) networks became the technology of choice for these transport networks. DWDM networks achieve these high rates by enabling several wavelengths of light to be transmitted on a single strand of fiber. Optimization-based practical methods to design DWDM networks with both link-based and path-based shared protection schemes are introduced and compared in an empirical analysis. These design models address various restrictions inherent to DWDM technology including polarization mode dispersion and attenuation requirements. Furthermore, approximations are developed to determine unavailability for any given origin-destination pair in a DWDM network. Finally, path-based and link-based shared protection models are compared based on design costs and unavailability.