Multicasting in Multihop Optical WDM Networks with Limited Wavelength Conversion

This paper provides an overview on efficient algorithms for multicasting in optical networks supported by Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) with limited wavelength conversion. We classify the multicast problems according to offline and on-line in both reliable and unreliable networks. In each problem class, we present efficient algorithms for multicast and multiple multicast and show their performance. We also present efficient schemes for dynamic multicast group membership updating. We conclude the paper by showing possible extension of the presented algorithms for QoS provision. key words: multicast, optical networks, routing, wavelength conversion, wavelength division multiplexing