Packet loss analysis in optical packet-switched networks with limited deflection routing

Abstract

We present an approximate analytical method for the evaluation of packet loss probability in synchronous optical packet-switched networks which operate under limited deflection routing with the contention resolution method based on priorities. Packets are lost because they are removed by nodes. They are removed because they experience too many deflections and stay prohibitively long in the network. Such packets have to be removed because they will be ignored by the transmission protocols (like TCP) and because the quality of their optical signal is unacceptable. Presented are results for the network in the topology of the torus of the two-dimensional grid, which operates at a steady state with the uniform load u, \({u \in \langle 0, 1\rangle}\). The strength of our analysis is its novel mathematical approach, which is capable of providing very low packet loss probabilities. For the network composed of 100 nodes, we predict the packet loss probability as low as 10−9 or lower, while simulation provided results only at the order of 10−6. For a given permissible packet loss probability, our analysis provides the maximal network load and the number of allowed deflections. We verify the analysis with simulation in the cases for which simulation gave results.