Round-robin wavelength assignment: A new packet sequence criterion in Optical Packet Switching SCWP networks Authors

The WASPNET project proposed a packet sequence criterion to preserve end-to-end packet order in Optical Packet Switching (OPS) networks controlled by the Scattered Wavelength Path (SCWP) operational mode. This paper shows that this packet ordering methodology causes performance impairments, related to unbalanced wavelength usage in fiber links. This skewed usage is inherent to the WASPNET sequencing criterion. As a solution, a round-robin sequence criterion is proposed. The presented technique eliminates non-uniform wavelength utilization in fiber links for any traffic pattern, as well as the performance impairments associated. We also propose an optimum scheduling algorithm for OPS output-buffered switch fabrics, which preserves packet order by following the new sequencing criterion.