Performance Evaluation of a Metro WDM Multi-channel Ring Network with Variable-length Packets

In this paper, we discuss and evaluate our two metro wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) ring network architectures for variable-length packet traffic. The paper begins with a brief review of the relevant architectures and protocols in the literature. Subsequently, the network architectures along with their medium access control (MAC) protocols are described. Performance for the two network architectures is studied using both simulation and Markovian modeling approaches with the help of their results for queuing delay, node throughput and proportion of packet dropped. Performance for the network is evaluated under symmetric and asymmetric traffic scenarios with Poisson and self-similar traffic.