Douglas Dykeman

A survey of light-weight transport protocols for high-speed networks

A comparative survey is presented of techniques used at the transport layer in eight representative protocols, most of which were designed to improve the protocol processing rate. The protocols are the relevant portions of the APPN, Datakit, Delta-t, NETBLT, OSI/TP4, TCP, VMTP, and XTP architectures. The protocols are described, and the functions under consideration are defined. No distinction is made as to whether these functions are carried out in a LAN, MAN, or WAN environment. The objective is to provide reliable, end-to-end transmission of data. The mechanisms required to support connection management, acknowledgements, flow control, and error handling are examined. Suitable techniques for designing light-weight transport protocols are identified. A discussion is presented as to which technique seems the most promising. >

Access architecture for a multiprotocol broadband backbone

We present a comprehensive architectural model of a modular communication infrastructure for providing interconnection between a wide variety of networks with like protocols across a common backbone network. Our concepts are demonstrated to be an appropriate framework for the provision of (a-)synchronous virtual channels, LAN interconnection, and standard internetworking, thus covering the most typical current connectivity requirements. The base architecture has been implemented, and first products are being offered with interfaces for Frame Relay, Fiber Channel Standard, ATM, voice and clear channel services.

FlexLast: An IT-centric solution for balancing the electric power grid

How can energy from renewable sources be integrated in large quantities into the power supply without overwhelming the grid? A collaboration between BKW, the electric utility in the Canton of Bern, IBM, Migros, Switzerlands largest retailer and supermarket chain, and Swissgrid, the national grid operator is creating a unique solution that applies advanced algorithms to data on the state of the grid and large freezer warehouses to optimize and manage the consumption of power for cooling to help balance the grid. In this paper we describe the architecture of the system and examine the business case required to make this approach feasible.

Multiprotocol transport networking: a general internetworking solution

The multiprotocol transport networking (MPTN) architecture proposed in this paper is a general solution to providing interconnectivity for applications. The MPTN architecture provides a protocol-independent system interface that includes most functions provided by existing transport protocols. As a result, the MPTN architecture decouples higher-layer protocols, application programming interfaces, and applications from protocols at the transport layer and below. Using the MPTN architecture, current and new applications can function unmodified over any transport supported under the MPTN interface. In addition, MPTN transport-layer gateways provide an end-to-end communication facility across a number of networks running different protocols. Therefore, a collection of networks running different protocols can serve as a single logical network.<<ETX>>

Power reference tracking of a large-scale industrial freezer system for ancillary service delivery

This paper outlines the first steps to enable a set of large industrial freezer warehouse units to act as flexible loads in a smart grid setting. We describe the modeling and identification of individual freezer units, focusing on the governing thermal dynamics and corresponding electric-energy consumption. By relying on the model identified, we show how optimal supervisory control inputs can be computed with the goal of tracking a predefined power consumption schedule. Our algorithm is applied to a real freezer warehouse, and its performance with respect to power reference tracking is evaluated and discussed. We show that the freezer system can follow a predefined power schedule despite the currently limited availability of actuators.