"Always on" information networks must automatically reroute around virtually any problem-but conventional, redundant ring architectures are too inefficient and inflexible. The solution: mesh-based networks that will be just as survivable-and far more flexible and cost-effective. Drawing heavily on the latest research, Wayne D. Grover introduces radical new concepts essential for deploying mesh-based networks. Grover offers "how-to" guidance on everything from logical design to operational strategy and evolution planning-including unprecedented insight into migration from ring topologies and the important new concept of p-cycles.* Mesh survivability: realities and common misunderstandings* Basic span- and path-restoration concepts and techniques* Logical design: modularity, non-linear cost structures, express-route optimization, and dual-failure considerations* Operational aspects of real-time restoration and self-organizing pre-planning against failures* The "transport-stabilized Internet": self-organizing reactions to failure and unforeseen demand patterns* Leveraging controlled oversubscription of capacity upon restoration in IP networks* "Forcers": a new way to analyze the capacity structure of mesh-restorable networks* New techniques for evolving facility-route structures in mesh-restorable networks* p-Cycles: combining the simplicity and switching speed of ring networks with the efficiency of mesh networks* Novel Working Capacity Envelope concept for simplified dynamic demand provisioning* Dual-failure restorability and the availability of mesh networksThis is the definitive guide tomesh-based networking for every system engineer, network planner, product manager, researcher and graduate student in optical networking.