Multi-layer virtual infrastructure embedding in software-defined flexible-grid transport networks

A system for embedding virtual infrastructure (VI) demands in a software-defined network, comprising:

• a graph module configured to construct an auxiliary graph that includes virtual links between physical nodes that have a residual capacity sufficient to meet a virtual infrastructure demands;
• and a mapping module comprising a processor configured to map virtual nodes over physical nodes in a network topology, to map virtual links over physical links to maximize use of existing optical channels and to minimize switching of a virtual link between a wavelength division multiplexing layer and an IP layer, to establish new optical channels with a maximum spectral efficiency, to determine a set of potential solutions for embedding a set of virtual infrastructure demands, and to select a solution from the set of potential solutions that minimizes a weighted average of spectrum needed to support the set of virtual infrastructure demands and a cost of provisioning the virtual infrastructure demands.