Real Time Performance Analysis of DBA Algorithm Using Network Processors

Abstract

A new framework for Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) is proposed wherein the Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (DBA) estimation is shared by the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Units (ONU) thereby reducing the load on the OLT and reducing the delay and improving the bandwidth utilization. The proposed framework was evaluated under heavy load conditions and with the help of OPNET simulations it has been demonstrated that our framework outperforms the conventional scheme in terms of throughput, percentage of utilization and other QoS services. However, in order to employ the algorithm for commercial purpose, the performance of the algorithm should be evaluated in a WiMAX switch to verify its hardware compatibility. This paper focuses on implementing and testing the performance of the DDA-EPON (Distributed DBA) algorithm in a WiMAX switch using the Intel’s IXP 2400 Network Processor. The performance of the algorithm is further compared with the conventional process in terms of machine clock cycles before arriving at conclusions.