Virtual optical network mapping and core allocation in elastic optical networks using multi-core fibers

• Published in: Optics communications 2017-11, Vol.402, p.26-35
• Main Authors: Xuan, Hejun, Wang, Yuping, Xu, Zhanqi, Hao, Shanshan, Wang, Xiaoli
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Core allocation; Elastic optical network; Multi-cores; Virtual optical networks mapping
• ISSN: 0030-4018; 1873-0310
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optcom.2017.05.065

Virtualization technology can greatly improve the efficiency of the networks by allowing the virtual optical networks to share the resources of the physical networks. However, it will face some challenges, such as finding the efficient strategies for virtual nodes mapping, virtual links mapping and spectrum assignment. It is even more complex and challenging when the physical elastic optical networks using multi-core fibers. To tackle these challenges, we establish a constrained optimization model to determine the optimal schemes of optical network mapping, core allocation and spectrum assignment. To solve the model efficiently, tailor-made encoding scheme, crossover and mutation operators are designed. Based on these, an efficient genetic algorithm is proposed to obtain the optimal schemes of the virtual nodes mapping, virtual links mapping, core allocation. The simulation experiments are conducted on three widely used networks, and the experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm. •Virtual network mapping and core allocation problem in elastic optical network is investigated.•A new global constrained optimization model is established.•An efficient genetic algorithm is proposed to solve the model effectively.•Results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.