Decreasing survivable fiber network cost using optical switches

Reviews a new survivable fiber-hubbed architecture using optical switches as protection switches. A case study based on a metropolitan area LATA network shows the new architecture may have the highest network survivability for fiber cable cuts (identical to that provided by the 1:1 diverse protection architecture) with a significant cost savings compared with the traditional 1:1 diverse protection architecture. The cost and benefits of using the new scheme, the traditional 1:1/DP or 1:1N/DP are very network dependent, and computer tools are a virtual necessity for alternative evaluation. The decision for which strategy to use depends on local conditions and belong to the OTC´s planners who appreciate the requirements of their network for survivability