Particle Swarm Optimization for optimal allocation of wavelength converters in WDM optical networks

In Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) optical networks, allocation of wavelength converters has become a key strategy to increase the efficiency of the network and reduce blocking probability. Presently, commercially, in-node 3R (re-amplification, reshaping, retiming) technique is used for wavelength conversion purpose. Though 3R regenerators increase the efficiency of the optical networks, it should be deployed efficiently as regenerators are very expensive and increase the overall network cost. Optimal wavelength converter allocation (OWCA) is a well known NP complete problem. In this paper we have used Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique to solve this OWCA problem. The searching technique is used to find out how to achieve near-ideal performance of the network using minimum number of wavelength converters.