Traffic aware routing algorithms for energy efficient optical-wireless access networks

Abstract

Next generation communication networks will bring forth technologies that will integrate optical-wireless systems, these networks are expected to deliver huge potential bandwidth and increase the energy consumption. Therefore, efficient utilization of bandwidth and effective reduction of energy consumption is being considered and evaluated with every possible solution. The objective of this project is to propose algorithms that will perform real-time bandwidth and wavelength allocation while assuring quality of service, for integrated optical-wireless access networks. The solution is based on the analysis of traffic request and polling cycles in Next Generation-Passive Optical Network (NG-PON2). The approach has several notable merits, for instance better utilization of available resources, delay constrained network, and increased energy efficiency. The methodology adapted in this work is to divide the algorithm in three phases and assign tasks accordingly. A comprehensive verification using Matlab, has been be carried out to determine the effectiveness of the concept. The simulation and performance is evaluated in optical line terminal (OLT) and optical network unit (ONU), for Time and Wavelength Division Multiplexing (TWDM-PON) architectures. The expected goal was to improve energy consumption in access networks, and it was observed from calculations that, energy efficiency as high as 27% at each ONU and 50% at the OLT could be achieved using routing algorithms. Hence, greener and energy efficient converged optical-wireless system can be introduced in next generation access networks.