A multi-layer adaptive protection scheme for IP/MPLS-over-WDM networks

In this paper, we propose an adaptive multilayer protection scheme for IP/MPLS-over-WDM networks. The scheme provides protection to two classes of traffic: high-priority traffic and normal traffic. The former requires fast restoration guarantee, while the latter can tolerate slow restoration. The key idea is to dynamically change the protection method for normal connections based on the current network condition so that both high-priority and normal connections experience reduced blocking. Specifically, high-priority connections are always protected with optical layer link-based protection; normal connections are protected with either optical layer path-based protection or IP layer LSP protection based on the current network condition. Simulation results show that the proposed adaptive multi-layer protection scheme can significantly reduce the blocking of both classes of traffic compared with a nonadatpive scheme.