OBS Simulation Tools: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Regarding network performance, simulators are the most frequently used instrument, in comparison with analytical tools and in situ measurements. Optical Burst Switching (OBS) is a new paradigm where the use of modeling and simulation tools is very important. This paper studies and compares the four most relevant simulators used in scientific and academic research to model OBS networks (Network Simulator 2 (ns-2), OBS-ns Simulator, NCTUns, and OBSsimulator). The study can be used either to assist choosing the most adequate simulator for a particular scenario or to help improving the existing ones (or even create a new simulator from scratch). It's important to identify the parameters and protocols not supported (or implemented) whose performance analysis on OBS networks is critical and needs to be studied. Available simulators have several limitations because either they are not appropriate because they are based on packet traffic instead of burst traffic, or make simplistic assumptions not taking into account all of the resource reservation protocols and parameters that can influence the overall OBS network performance. We conclude that, based on the objectives of a user, this paper furnish the guidelines helping to the best choice taking into account the available simulation tools for OBS networks.