Joint operation of packet network and WDM network

In integration of IP and WDM networks, there are two main approaches. One is joint planning approach; the other is joint operation approach. Joint planning typically addresses an optimality problem on total network cost given a certain data traffic pattern and some physical constraints at the network planning stage; while through reconfiguration or real-time setup of lightpaths, joint operation focuses on optimizing network performance or guaranteeing it to a defined level under current network configuration and dynamic data traffic pattern at the network operational stage. On contrary to the (semi-) static virtual topology in joint planning, the joint operation approach maintains a dynamic virtual topology. We propose an integration network model with separated control plane and data plane. Formulations have been studied in building the model, and the initial findings may help in designing the routing and signaling protocols.