SCORE: a store-and-forward burst-header contention-resolution mechanism in obs networks

In OBS networks, burst header packet (BHP) contentions occur when two or more BHPs are switched simultaneously to the same output port at a given core node. Such contention events result in significant losses of the corresponding data burst. Accordingly, the present study proposes a store-and-forward contention-resolution mechanism, designated as SCORE, based on fiber delay line buffers to resolve the BHP collision problem in OBS networks, thereby minimizing the associated burst loss rate. A series simulation results performed using an OIRC OBS-ns simulator confirm the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed scheme.