Since 2006, the X-WiN is the national backbone of DFN ~ Germany`s National Research and Education Network. X-WiN connects over 400 German universities and research institutions and, being connected to the European Backbone GÉANT, it is an integral part of the worldwide community of research and education networks. The X-WiN network is implemented as a multilayer network: The IP service runs on top of a DFN-administrated network of light-paths in an underlying dark-fiber network. With a higher number of nodes in the network core and the high variability in the light-path configuration, X-WiN is more flexible than its predecessor network G-WiN and able to cope with the continuously increasing traffic volume and the special requirements of new multimedia and Grid/e-Science applications.

The aim of this project is to develop mathematical models and algorithms to solve the optimization problems that arise in the planning of X-WiN or similar networks. This includes location planning and network dimensioning problems as well as traffic engineering and rounting planning tasks. With the help of these models and algorithms, we support the DFN-Verein computationally and analytically in building and operating the X-WiN.