Routing and wavelength assignment problem is one of the main problem in optical networks. The foremost problem is the routing problem after which the wavelength assignment is to be decided. In this paper we have proposed a routing strategy for optimization of the performance of the optical network in terms of blocking probability. The strategy proposed is better than the conventional algorithm in terms of blocking.Â

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is a technology which multiplexes many optical carrier signals onto a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths. Wavelength assignment is one of the important components of routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) problem in WDM networks. In this article, to decrease the blocking probability, a new algorithm for wavelength assignment-Least Used Wavelength Conversion algorithm is introduced and is an enhancement to the previously used Least Used Wavelength assignment algorithm. The performance of this wavelength assignment algorithm is evaluated in terms of blocking probability and the results show that the proposed technique is very promising in future. The Least Used Wavelength Conversion algorithm is compared with algorithms such as first-fit, best-fit, random and most-used wavelength assignment algorithm.