Enabling new applications with optical circuit-switched networks

New inventions in optical communications components are driving advances in networking architectures and protocols. However, user needs are not met by current network solutions. Three gaps between user needs and network limitations are identified in this dissertation. To bridge these gaps, we propose an optical circuit-switched solution called Reconfigurable Ethernet/SONET Circuits for End Users (RESCUE). This solution is proposed as an add-on to the primary Internet service already available to end users. It allows the optical circuit-switched network to be operated in a call-blocking mode because the primary Internet access path can be used as a fall-back option if the call setup attempt is blocked. In RESCUE service, the circuits would essentially connect the end users directly to either a service provider router or another end user in an optical circuit-switched network. It allows end-host applications to enjoy direct high-speed Ethernet/SONET circuits.; We propose two types of applications using RESCUE service: (i) Dial-Up service for Internet access, and (ii) end-to-end file transfers. They are proposed to overcome the three gaps between user needs and network limitations. In this dissertation, we describe architectures and operations of these two applications. The routing decision algorithms for both applications are proposed and quantitatively analyzed based on data-transfer delays and network utilization. Analysis results show that a significant improvement in throughput can be realized for data transfers in these two applications.; To implement applications that use the RESCUE service, we design and implement three modules: a transport protocol module, a routing decision module, and a signaling module. A high-speed transport protocol call Fixed Rate Transport Protocol (FRTP) is proposed to substitute TCP over end-to-end RESCUE circuits to achieve better throughput. The design and the implementation of FRTP with rate-based flow control and selective-ARQ error control are presented in this dissertation. The experimental results of this implementation are presented in the context of our local-area testbed network. A routing decision module is proposed to determine whether or not to attempt a RESCUE circuit setup when end hosts have a choice of two communication paths. A signaling module is needed to set up/release the RESCUE circuits.; The configuration of our local-area testbed network and the experiments designed for this testbed network are introduced. A VLAN-based extension for local-area testbed networks is suggested to enhance the RESCUE service.; Finally, we list a number of enhancements that can be made to improve the RESCUE service. These are described in the future work section.