Andrea Paparella

An analytical approach for estimating optimal multi-layer network cost, exploiting the flexible-grid optical technology

In this paper we provide analytical insights for dimensioning a multi-layer network and in particular the virtual optical transport network topology exported to the packet client layer according to cost and power consumption. A new approach is described, approximating optimum routing, that can be effectively used to provide an estimation of network cost and reference architectures in network implementations. Results using this estimation approach are compared with those obtained using other estimation approaches regarding bandwidth allocation and network costs. We found that the approximated routing calculations, applied on a virtual network topology, do not significantly penalize the accuracy of the results. This approach can be extended to analyze the impact of new a optical networking technique, flexible-grid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), providing some insights regarding scenarios in which migration from fixed-grid WDM systems to flexible-grid WDM systems would be advantageous in terms of capital cost and power consumption.

Reducing emissions of core networks: A comparative analysis

Networks Operators unanimously agree on the need to reduce power consumption of their networks. Motivation behind is surely related to the need to minimize the operating costs, gaining competitiveness. However this is also in line with the growing attention to the CO2 emission.

RSSP: RSVP session set-up protocol for RSVP-incapable multimedia applications

RSVP is the QoS signalling protocol used with Integrated Service Framework for QoS provisioning in IP networks. The existing RSVP mechanism requires that an RSVP daemon be embedded with the applications so as to initiate RSVP sessions. This requirement has been envisaged to be a major limitation over the use of RSVP and the associated QoS control mechanisms for those applications or platforms which are either RSVP-incapable or impossible to be modified to introduce a built-in RSVP capability. This paper introduces a mechanism, RSVP Session Set-up Protocol, which overcomes the limitations of existing RSVP implementations by initiating RSVP sessions for RSVP-incapable applications running on different platforms. The proposed mechanism features application and platform independence and eliminates the need for built-in RSVP processing capability for those applications or terminals of short battery life and limited processing power. Moreover it facilitates dynamic QoS provision for wireless mobile devices during hand-off control.

Cost and algorithm complexity of elastic optical networks

We present a method that easily dimension an elastic multi-layer networks based on an extension of a single-datarate multi-layer model. The computation time and optoelectronic resources are compared for single- and multi-layer scenarios.

Hybrid agnostic middleware for Next Generation Networks (NGN) services

The drawbacks of centralized network management (NM) were already demonstrated. The growing complexity of computer networks requires sophisticated management strategies for adequate efficiency and reliability. Grid computing technology approaches, characterized by a higher degree of flexibility, scalability, efficiency, and reliability, face still many challenges. It is widely recognized, however, that distributed computing environments bring on many advantages when dealing with these issues. We propose a hybrid hierarchical NM paradigm, based on a composite architecture, integrating apposite Peer-to-Peer and Grid Computing concepts and related technologies.

Packet Transport Technologies for Optical Networks

Abstract The purpose of a transport network is to provide a reliable aggregation and transport infrastructure for any client traffic type, in any scale, at the lowest cost per bit. With the growth of packet services, operators are transforming their network infrastructures while looking at reducing capital expenditures and maximizing operational savings. In that scope, new technologies are emerging such as transport multi-protocol label switching and provider backbone transport. This article outlines the state of the art for packet-based transport technologies, comparing them and highlighting the key factors.

TMN Management Systems using a Grid based agnostic middleware

In this paper we propose a new paradigm for Telecommunication Management Network (TMN) based on Service Oriented Architecture. Web-based Grid technologies, indeed, allow for combined flexibility at the level of information structuring and distribution, while leverage existing systems for managing both information and system complexity. On one hand, the Web technology frees human users from complicated management system interfaces, introducing a common and univocal management interface: the browser! On the other hand, the Grid technology enables to create cooperation between sophisticated management systems in order to manage their complexity. The improvement to TMN Management System proposed is a Grid based framework that transforms a layered TMN architecture into a simply manageable “flat” network. The framework provides a generalized TMN interface, based on Web Services that integrates protocol-dependent gateway systems. By using this interface, the TMN management application can be easily constructed to provide complex TMN management services to user via user-friendly Web browsers. On the basis of this framework, we have designed and implemented a prototype of TMN Manager system that validates our framework