Load-balancing contention resolution in OBS networks based on GMPLS

Abstract

Contention resolution (CR) in optical burst switching (OBS) networks is a hot topic in the academia. However, most previous research was done within the local core switching node. In this paper, we investigate an integrated CR technique in OBS networks based on generalised multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS). At first, a new network model is proposed, in which a label switched path (LSP) is just composed of a series of links and not assigned with any wavelength, and the wavelengths are decided when core switches process the control packets. Then, we propose a novel technique, i.e., load-balancing contention resolution (LBCR), which is divided into two parts: within the network layer, CR is done with load-balancing technology; within the node layer, local CR algorithms can be employed. Simulations show that LBCR can reduce burst contention and burst loss probability.