An Integer Linear Programming Approach for Topology Design in OWC Networks

Since the optical wireless communication (OWC), also known as free space optical (FSO), link can provide more than lGbps (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) bandwidth over a long distance, the OWC network is envisioned as an affordable alternative solution to satisfy the increasing bandwidth demand of streaming, multimedia, and gaming applications at home environments. Among the primary advantages of OWC system are the high data rate, unlicensed spectrum of operation, quick and inexpensive setup. Meanwhile, unique OWC features such as the node, link and bandwidth availability due to interferences from weather or others remain as the challenge for designing a robust and high-performance OWC network. In this paper, we propose new Integer Linear Programming formulations to model and optimize OWC topology design while taking into the node, link and bandwidth availability, and partial request accommodation into consideration. Our analysis and results provide valuable insights into designing robust and reconfigurable OWC networks.