Label preference schemes in GMPLS controlled networks

The GMPLS assumption that all available labels are equal is reasonable in electronic networks but not always true in WDM optical networks where labels correspond to physical wavelengths. In this paper we present two schemes for collecting the preference for specific labels during GMPLS signaling. For this purpose a new use of the Suggested Label object is proposed, and a novel object called Suggested Vector is introduced. The approach is validated through simulations showing significant wavelength converter usage reduction in a WDM optical network