Impact of assembly algorithms on end-to-end performance in Optical Burst Switched networks with different QoS classes

This paper investigates the performance of a complete OBS (Optical Burst Switched) network that implements the JET (Just Enough Time) reservation mechanism. The network under examination adopts a core node architecture with no fiber delay lines and a limited set of wavelength converters, while featuring an edge node architecture with a mix of input, output and shared buffers. We investigate the overall network performance and design, specifically focusing on burst delay and end-to-end TCP throughput. In order to study the OBS network behavior, we develop a modular and flexible simulation tool, that we call MOBSSIM (Modular OBS Simulator). MOBSSIM is the means to accurately build an arbitrary topology OBS network via its main functional blocks, edge and core routers: its sound degree of development enables us to accurately evaluate several figures of merit, e.g., burst blocking probability and delay, and also allows for a critical comparison of alternative design solutions in terms of assembly algorithms, reservation strategies and QoS oriented routing.