Effect of traffic splitting on link and path restoration planning

Abstract

Link restoration and path restoration are the two major techniques used for telecom network restoration in DCS (digital cross-connect system) mesh networks. For rerouting to be possible, sufficient spare capacity must exist in the links of the chosen alternate paths. Path restoration results in lower additional cost compared to link restoration. Traffic splitting can be used to further reduce the additional cost. There are several methods of performing traffic splitting. We have chosen to study even-splitting and best-splitting methods. We have evaluated traffic splitting techniques by enhancing the link and path restoration modules of the Restoration Network Planning Tool developed by Alcatel Network Systems. We have observed, through several experiments, that traffic splitting results in significant reduction in the spare capacity and the corresponding augmentation cost.