Simulation-based GMPLS Optical Router

Generalized multiprotocol label switching (GMPLS) has emerged as a very promising technology for the next generation carrier networks. GMPLS successfully combines the best features of IP and ATM in terms of QoS, privacy, flexibility and scalability. Besides, GMPLS introduces enhancements to the existing IP routing and signaling protocols by supporting not only networks that perform packet switching (IP), but also networks that perform switching in the time (TDM), wavelength (DWDM), and space domain (circuit switching). This paper discusses the design and implementation of a simulation-based GMPLS Optical Router (GOR). We build our GOR model on OPNET platform with all the necessary GMPLS functionalities of an optical backbone router, for the GOR to behave as a virtual machine. The description on the essential design features and the key implementation elements of the internal mechanism of GOR form the highlight of this paper. Our virtual GMPLS Optical Router has the capability of giving a more integrated and realistic simulation on wavelength routing, wavelength assignment, wavelength switching, dynamic label switching path (LSP) setup, distributed routing table calculation, and blocking mechanism of GMPLS light paths, all within a scenario. Our simulation results include the blocking rate, which is highly comparable to a real GMPLS optical network. In addition, our proposed GOR is able to provide a simulation platform for further development and future enhancement of GMPLS technologies.