DWDM optical network planning method

A method for DWDM network planning, the method comprising:

• determining a total number of lightpaths at discrete line granularities based on a set of demands associated with a region of interest;
• determining a DWDM network topology comprised of a plurality of nodes and one or more wavelengths extending between the nodes based on the total number of lightpaths at discrete line granularities;
• routing lightpaths along the wavelengths extending between the plurality of nodes based at least on predetermined decision criteria;
• routing demands onto tributaries extending along the lightpaths based at least on predetermined guidelines;
• determining node-related hardware parameters based at least on a predetermined routine comprising:
• calculating a number of interface card ports, calculating a number of interface cards, and calculating a number of OADMs;
• calculating a cost associated with the node-related hardware parameters;
• and
• outputting the node-related hardware parameters and the associated cost.

An apparatus for DWDM network planning comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory for storing data coupled to the processor;
• and
• a display coupled to the processor for displaying data,
• wherein the processor is configured for:
• determining a highest aggregate demand from among a set of demands associated with a region of interest,
• determining a total number of lightpaths at discrete line granularities beginning with the highest aggregate demand,
• determining a DWDM network topology comprised of a plurality of nodes and one or more wavelengths extending between the nodes based on the total number of lightpaths at discrete line granularities,
• routing lightpaths along the wavelengths extending between the plurality of nodes based at least on predetermined decision criteria,
• routing demands onto tributaries extending along the lightpaths based at least on predetermined guidelines,
• calculating node-related hardware parameters based at least on a predetermined routine,
• calculating a cost associated with the node-related hardware parameters, and
• outputting the node-related hardware parameters and the associated cost to the display.