Addressing transparency in DWDM mesh survivable networks

We identify the penalties incurred in all-optical networks on routing and restoration operations. We show that these penalties can be avoided with opaque switches interfaced by transponders. we demonstrate that transparent OXCs may be short of important functionality, and usability necessary to build robust and cost-effective networks. We arrive at our conclusion mainly by quantifying the amount of resources required to accommodate predefined OC48 traffic forecasts in the proposed architectures. We show that carriers opting for all-optical solutions will have to over build their infrastructures and surmount tremendous management obstacles in order to be competitive.