Dynamic scheduling protocol for variable-sized messages in a WDM-based local network

In a single-hop star network based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), a protocol is needed for the transmitter and receiver to coordinate message transmission. This paper proposes a dynamic scheduling protocol which can efficiently support variable-sized messages, where a control channel is used to coordinate transmissions on data channels. The protocol does not require any global information. Therefore, it can operate independently of the change of the number of nodes, and any new node can join the network at any time without requiring network initialization. Moreover, with the protocol, one can avoid data channel and destination conflicts. The protocol is analyzed with a finite population model and the throughput-delay characteristics are investigated as performance measures.