On virtual optical bursts for QoS support in OBS networks

This paper proposes a novel burst assembly mechanism based on the notion of virtual optical burst for QoS support in OBS networks. Our solution, implemented exclusively in the electronic domain, relies on a simple timer algorithm. Its performance is evaluated in the context of a slotted WDM ring. We show that, combined with some fair access control scheme, the proposed scheme ensures both low delays for high-priority data packets and high fill rates of optical bursts.