Key Parameters and Cost Estimation for Contention Resolution in Optical Packet/Burst Switching Nodes

Optical networking paradigms based on statistical multiplexing, such as Optical Burst Switching or Optical Packet Switching, require the adoption of suitable contention resolution mechanisms at the optical nodes due to multiple packets/bursts attempting to access the shared output channel at the same time. In the most general case of multi-fiber output links, contentions are tried to be solved by exploiting different domains — namely space, wavelength and time — and by applying an optimal scheduling policy. This paper provides an assessment of the role of key parameters for an optical packet/burst contention resolution scheme and the resulting node cost estimation in terms of CAPEX, footprint and power consumption. Feasibility tradeoffs due to limited optical buffering and wavelength conversion capability are also taken into account.