A multi-layer photonic network and nodes used therein are provided. The
multi-layer photonic network comprises a packet network which performs
switching and transfer in packet units, and a photonic network comprising
optical transmission lines and photonic switches, and which accommodates
the packet network. The multi-layer photonic network also has a two layer
structure of optical wavelength links (O-LSPs) and packet links (E-LSPs).
The O-LSPs are constituted by the optical transmission lines and comprise
optical wavelength switching capability (LSC) which is capable of
switching in optical wavelength units and packet switching capability
(PSC) which is capable of switching in packet units at both their ends.
The E-LSPs include the O-LSPs and PSCs at both their ends. Each node
includes a section for automatically establishing an O-LSP according to
an establishment request for an E-LSP while taking account of path
information including path cost, resource consumption, and traffic
quantity.