Packet Loss Differentiation using Network Layer Packet Redundancy in Optical Packet/Burst Switched Networks

Optical Packet/Burst Switching (OPS/OBS) has emerged as a promising candidate for the next-generation all-optical network scenario. A crucial issue in OPS/OBS networks is how to provide packet loss rate (PLR) differentiation at the network layer. In this paper we propose a novel PLR differentiation scheme that utilizes network layer packet redundancy in order to isolate service classes in an OPS/OBS network. We derive an analytical model of the proposed scheme based on reduced load Erlang fix-point analysis. A numerical evaluation shows that the isolation degree between the service classes is dependent on the amount of redundancy, system load and share of high priority traffic.