| The thesis is focused on the design, performance analysis, and deployment of the control plane for future IP optical networks. The control plane is needed to enable cost-effective bandwidth-on-demand (BoD) services via connection-oriented bandwidth guaranteed pipes. Firstly, we analyzed the performance of the Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) control plane and assess its value added proposition vis-a-vis the centralized network management (CNM) plane. Comparative simulation analysis was conducted to understand the limitations of using the control/management planes in enabling future connection-oriented services. We identified operating regions where the benefits of using the control plane to provision BoD services is maximized in terms of minimizing the network resources required to meet the demands of the services. Secondly, we proposed and analyzed a heuristic algorithm to schedule two types of BoD services: book-ahead and immediate request ones subject to quality of service constraints such as minimizing call blocking rate while maximizing network utilizations. Finally, we designed and deployed a GMPLS software engine for the Circuit-switched High-speed End-to-End Transport ArcHitecture (CHEETAH) test-bed, called the CHEETAH Virtual Label Switching Router (CVLSR). CVLSR provides a cost-efficient dynamic sharing mechanism to enable non-GMPLS switches (e.g., Ethernet switches, routers and other cross-connects) to participate in the dynamic setup and release of end-to-end bandwidth guaranteed connections. In addition, CVLSR is equipped with a novel function called dynamic network clustering which could enable a broad range of applications such as remote visualization, grid computing and e-learning among others. |
