A novel node architecture for optical networks: Modeling, analysis and performance evaluation

Optical packet and burst switching technologies represent promising solutions for the next generation Internet backbone. Contention resolution and QoS provision, however, constitute the critical issues in the development of services using these technologies. In this paper, we propose a node architecture suitable for optical packet and burst switching that allows a prioritized buffering mechanism for contention resolution and QoS support. Our proposal is accompanied by a signaling protocol for packet-based traffic handling. We also develop a theoretical model for evaluating its performance based on a new conservation law and a queuing network model. Finally, a simulation study is performed to validate the proposed schemes.