In order to reduce the overall wavelength number required in a wavelength d
ivision multiplexing (WDM) network with static traffic loading, new heurist
ic algorithms for wavelength assignment are proposed in this paper. A new p
arameter called "one-wavelength-decrease cost" is defined and used to compa
re the efficiency of these algorithms. Comparative simulation studies have
been carried out for various network topologies to investigate the effectiv
eness of the proposed algorithms.