Methods and systems are provided for determining a shortest minimum regeneration path in an optical network. The method includes creating a virtual node at a source node, the source node communicatively coupled to a destination node through a plurality of nodes and links. The method includes traversing the virtual nodes, wherein traversing the virtual nodes comprises selecting an unvisited virtual node at a node; identifying a candidate virtual node from the unvisited virtual node; determining whether the candidate virtual node exceeds a maximum permitted weight; determining whether the candidate virtual node violates a shortest minimum regeneration path condition; and creating the new virtual node from the candidate virtual node if the candidate virtual node does not exceed the maximum permitted weight and if the candidate virtual node does not violate the shortest minimum regeneration path condition.

In general, techniques are described for dynamically determining a logical network topology for more efficiently transporting network traffic over a physical topology based on end-to-end network traffic demands and optical transport network (OTN) characteristics of the network. The techniques may be applicable to meeting network traffic demands placed upon a multi-layer network having a base transport layer and a logical or overlay Internet Protocol (IP) layer routed on the transport layer.

The present disclosure provides a method for providing a white box transponder (132). The method includes a step of receiving the plurality of user inputs (104) from an orchestrator (102) at a programmable photonic switch mode system (108). The method includes another step of receiving the real-time data from an optical line system (122). The method includes yet another step of computing a run-time mode of operation based on the plurality of user inputs (104), the real-time data from the optical line system (122), a complete path computation information, and the network dimensioning data with facilitation of the programmable photonic switch mode application (110). The complete path computation information is received from a path computation engine (120). The method includes yet another step of sending the computed run-time mode of operation to the white box transponder (132) for dynamically configuring the white box transponder (132).

In some examples, a controller for a network includes a path computation module configured for execution by one or more processors to obtain configuration information for at least one point-to-multipoint label switched path (P2MP LSP); obtain, from the network via at least one protocol, network topology information defining a network topology for the network; determine, based on the network topology, a first solution comprising first respective paths through the network for the at least one P2MP LSP; determine, after generating a modified network topology based on the network topology, a second solution comprising second respective paths through the network for the at least one P2MP LSP. The controller also includes a path provisioning module configured for execution by the one or more processors to configure the network with the solution of the first solution and the second solution having the lowest total cost.

Optical networks, network elements, and methods of use are described herein, including an optical network comprising head-end and tail-end network elements, an optical multiplex section (OMS) connecting the head-end and tail-end network elements, and one or more intermediate line amplifiers in the OMS between the head-end and tail-end network elements. The head-end network element may store first information indicative of a first tilt control section having the head-end and tail-end network elements as endpoints; determine information indicative of a change in topology of the OMS, such as that a first intermediate line amplifier has switched from a non-monitoring to a monitoring mode; and store second information indicative of a second tilt control section having the head-end network element and a new tail-end network element, such as the first intermediate line amplifier.

Methods and systems are provided for determining a shortest minimum regeneration path in an optical network. The method includes creating a virtual node at a source node, the source node communicatively coupled to a destination node through a plurality of nodes and links. The method includes traversing the virtual nodes, wherein traversing the virtual nodes comprises selecting an unvisited virtual node at a node; identifying a candidate virtual node from the unvisited virtual node; determining whether the candidate virtual node exceeds a maximum permitted weight; determining whether the candidate virtual node violates a shortest minimum regeneration path condition; and creating the new virtual node from the candidate virtual node if the candidate virtual node does not exceed the maximum permitted weight and if the candidate virtual node does not violate the shortest minimum regeneration path condition.

In some examples, a controller for a network includes a path computation module configured for execution by one or more processors to obtain configuration information for at least one point-to-multipoint label switched path (P2MP LSP); obtain, from the network via at least one protocol, network topology information defining a network topology for the network; determine, based on the network topology, a first solution comprising first respective paths through the network for the at least one P2MP LSP; determine, after generating a modified network topology based on the network topology, a second solution comprising second respective paths through the network for the at least one P2MP LSP. The controller also includes a path provisioning module configured for execution by the one or more processors to configure the network with the solution of the first solution and the second solution having the lowest total cost.

Optical networks, network elements, and methods of use are described herein, including an optical network comprising head-end and tail-end network elements, an optical multiplex section (OMS) connecting the head-end and tail-end network elements, and one or more intermediate line amplifiers in the OMS between the head-end and tail-end network elements. The head-end network element may store first information indicative of a first tilt control section having the head-end and tail-end network elements as endpoints; determine information indicative of a change in topology of the OMS, such as that a first intermediate line amplifier has switched from a non-monitoring to a monitoring mode; and store second information indicative of a second tilt control section having the head-end network element and a new tail-end network element, such as the first intermediate line amplifier.