Dynamic service differentiation in OBS networks

In this paper we propose an edge-to-edge closed-loop scheme to provide Quality-of-Service (QoS) in Optical Burst Switching (OBS) networks. Performance parameters for each burst flow are exchanged by a feedback message called Service Control Message (SCM) which is processed only at the edge/ingress nodes. According to the information contained in the SCM the edge nodes could adapt the values of some flow parameters (typically burst assembly parameters and offset time) to apply differentiated quality of service to the various flows. Simulations results are presented to investigate the feasibility of this new proposal.