Abstract.A novel algorithm for fast dimensioning of end-to-end optical burst switching networks is proposed. The proposed method determines the number of wavelengths for each network link according to the traffic load, the routing algorithm and the required blocking probability per connection. The burst input traffic is modeled by an ON-OFF alternating renewal process, which is more realistic for OBS networks than the typically used Poisson model. Compared to the two most typically used dimensioning approaches, the proposed method results in significant lower wavelength requirements whilst achieving the same target blocking probability. Additionally, the proposed method takes less than one second to dimension the network links which makes it several orders of magnitude faster than the conventional simulation approach.

A novel, accurate, numerically stable and fast mathematical method for network-wide blocking probability evaluation of end-to-end optical burst switching (OBS) networks with heterogeneous link capacity under non-uniform traffic is proposed. Unlike most of previous works, which have used the Poisson model for the burst traffic, this paper considers a non-uniform ON-OFF model being a more realistic choice for OBS networks. Compared with simulation, the method was proved to be very accurate and much faster (up to four orders of magnitude faster than simulation in the studied cases). These features make the proposed method very useful for network analysis, especially for large size networks where simulation time can be prohibitively high.

This article presents the design, implementation and use of a remote network lab with multiple users support as an aid to teaching computer networks. The purpose is to enable multiple students complement their theoretical learning with practical experimentation in networking devices which can be carried out synchronously to theoretical classes and from any room with internet access. Unlike the current solutions based on mainly software emulation and simulation, the students interact remotely with commercial network devices, such as cutting-edge and widely used switches, routers and firewalls at the workplace. This proposal reduces the expenses or installing new laboratories in all the campuses where lectures are held and also moving the students to laboratories that are not located near their classrooms. The use of the remote laboratory has been tested with senior students majoring information technology engineering. The results shows that a remote network lab is an effective aid for teaching computer networks in a remote and secure way.