Distributed path reservation algorithms for multiplexed all-optical interconnection networks

In this paper, we study distributed path reservation protocols for multiplexed all-optical interconnection networks. In such networks, a path for a connection is reserved such that transmitted data remains in the optical domain until it reaches its destination. The path reservation protocols negotiate the reservation and establishment of connections that arrive dynamically to the network. They can be applied to both wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and time division multiplexing (TDM), which are two techniques that allow the large optical bandwidth to be shared among multiple connections. Two classes of protocols are discussed: forward reservation protocols and backward reservation protocols. Simulations of multiplexed 2-dimensional torus interconnection networks are used to evaluate and compare the performance of the protocols, and to study the impact of system parameters on both network throughput and communication delay. The simulation results show that the backward reservation schemes provide better performance than their forward reservation counterparts.