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Transformer-pointer DRL model for static resource allocation problems in SDM-EONs

delete2026-03-02
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PRE
AI
S
Sibo Chen
J
Jiading Wang
M
Maiko Shigeno
DOI:10.1364/JOCN.580228delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The static resource allocation problem in space-division multiplexing elastic optical networks (SDM-EONs) requires joint optimization of routing, modulation, space, and spectrum assignment (RMSSA) for efficient resource use. Because integer-programming models and sophisticated heuristics are computationally expensive, the First-Fit algorithm is often used for fast feasible solutions, yet its quality is usually poor and highly order-dependent. To address this, we propose a deep reinforcement learning method for static resource allocation. We reformulate the combinatorial problem as sequence optimization by pairing with a fixed First-Fit allocator and prove that, for the space-spectrum assignment (SSA) subproblem, First-Fit is order-expressive and can achieve an optimal solution under a suitable ordering. A Transformer encoder extracts features of the request set, and a pointer-network decoder optimizes the output order. The trained network can be used as a black-box heuristic. Compared with hand-crafted orderings, it delivers higher solution quality with rapid inference speed, making it highly suitable for time-sensitive reconfiguration and large-scale planning tasks, while maintaining a runtime comparable to First-Fit. Finally, ablation studies verify the contributions of the encoder and decoder, and we attempt to interpret the trained network.
Keywords:
Resource management
Decoding
Dynamic scheduling
Transformers
Routing
Deep reinforcement learning
Training
Space division multiplexing
Reviews
Optical switches

Journal

Journal of Optical Communications and Networking cover
Journal of Optical Communications and Networking
IF:
4.3
Papers:
2.2K
Citations:
3.8K

Organization

F
fujitsu limited
Scholars:
13
Papers: 6
Citations: 0
U
university of tsukuba
Scholars:
3.5K
Papers: 1.4K
Citations: 0