Using closed loop feedback control theoretic techniques to improve obs networks performance

This paper considers the use of closed loop feedback control theoretic techniques to improve the performance of Optical Burst Switching (OBS) networks. In OBS networks, the Burst Loss Ratio (BLR) is the ratio between the lost bursts to the sent bursts. The BLR is used as a performance metric. The desired burst loss ratio depends on the application using the network. Some applications might tolerate more burst loss ratios than other applications. Higher network link utilization could be achieved by having more control over the burst loss ratio. Burstification rate is the rate of injecting bursts into the OBS network. In this paper, a novel technique to control the burst loss ratio in OBS networks is proposed. The technique is based on classical control theory approaches to tune the burstification rate in order to achieve a desired burst loss ratio to satisfy the application requirements. Extensive experiments show that the proposed technique achieves promising results. That is, the measured burst loss ratio hovers around the desired burst loss ratio and higher utilization is observed. Empirical approaches are used to identify the proposed model. The empirical model fits the OBS network by a value that did not fall below 75%.