Exploiting forcer structure to serve uncertain demands and minimize redundancy of p-cycle networks

We study the forcer concept in the context of p-cycle based networks. A simple but efficient forcer analysis method is proposed specifically for span-restorable networks in general. Besides identifying forcers, the method is also capable of exploiting extra servable working channels given an initial network spare capacity budget designed for pre-existing working capacities. We find that a large number of extra working channels can be served with no increase in the pre-planned spare capacity budget. This attribute of p-cycle protected networks can be used to enhance their ability to serve unforeseen demand patterns or provide an expanded envelope of protected working capacity within which dynamic demand is servable without blocking due to exceeding the protected working capacity limits.