an apparatus , comprising a first node configured to communicate with a second node to generate a wavelength assignment , wherein the first node is configured to send a wavelength availability information to the second node . included is a network component comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method , comprising receiving a wavelength availability information , and updating the wavelength availability information using a local wavelength availability information . also included is a method , comprising acquiring a local wavelength assignment information , calculating a local wavelength availability information , and transmitting the local wavelength availability information to a subsequent network element on a lightpath .