Hybrid scheduling mechanisms for Next-generation Passive Optical Networks based on network coding

Network coding (NC) integrated into Passive Optical Networks (PONs) is regarded as a promising solution to achieve higher throughput and energy efficiency. To efficiently support multimedia traffic under this new transmission mode, novel NC-based hybrid scheduling mechanisms for Next-generation PONs (NG-PONs) including energy management, time slot management, resource allocation, and Quality-of-Service (QoS) scheduling are proposed in this paper. First, we design an energy-saving scheme that is based on Bidirectional Centric Scheduling (BCS) to reduce the energy consumption of both the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Units (ONUs). Next, we propose an intra-ONU scheduling and an inter-ONU scheduling scheme, which takes NC into account to support service differentiation and QoS assurance. The presented simulation results show that BCS achieves higher energy efficiency under low traffic loads, clearly outperforming the alternative NC-based Upstream Centric Scheduling (UCS) scheme. Furthermore, BCS is shown to provide better QoS assurance.     

A joint-ONU interval-based dynamic scheduling algorithm for Ethernet passive optical networks

This paper proposes a new dynamic bandwidth allocation system for Ethernet Passive Optical Networks (EPONs), subject to requirements of fairness, efficiency, and cost. An Optical Line Terminal (OLT)-centric bandwidth allocation model is proposed which employs a credit pooling technique combined with a weighted-share policy to partition the upstream bandwidth among different classes of service, and to prevent Optical Network Units (ONUs) from monopolizing the bandwidth. The OLT-centric model allows global optimization of network resources, a characteristic which is not found in many earlier proposals. Supported by the new bandwidth allocation, the paper proposes a joint-ONU interval-based packet scheduling algorithm, referred to herein as COPS (Class-of-service Oriented Packet Scheduling), that meets the requirements set out above. We compare COPS with another well-known scheduling algorithm which employed a standard priority-based bandwidth sharing. We show that COPS is superior in terms of network utilization and maximum packet delay, with the consequence of an increase in average packet delay for the premium traffic. This drawback is overcome by combining COPS with a rate-based optimization scheme.     

EPON中保证QoS的动态带宽分配算法

作为一种新技术，EPON系统采取在下行信道使用广播方式而在上行信道使用时分多址(TDMA)方式，为用户提供共享传输介质的接入方式，因此就需要一种接入控制机制来为用户分配带宽。为了使EPON系统更好地支持QoS并且进一步提高带宽利用率，提出了一种新的固定周期轮询动态带宽分配算法，针对不同时延特性业务采用不同的授权分配算法。算法包括两部分：OLT时ONU的调度以及ONU内部不同优先级的队列之间的调度。最后讨论了包时延、系统吞吐量等仿真结果和性能分析。     

Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation Algorithms for Ethernet Passive Optical Networks with Threshold Reporting

In this paper we present a dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm for Ethernet Passive Optical Networks (EPON), which makes use of the Multipoint Control Protocol (MPCP) with threshold reporting and with inter- and intra-ONU priority scheduling. Three varieties of this algorithm are compared under both symmetric and asymmetric traffic conditions, by means of a detailed simulation program, regarding average packet delay for several priorities, delay variation for constant bit rate (CBR) traffic and bandwidth utilization. Two types of intra-ONU priority scheduling algorithms are considered, being full and interval priority scheduling, called FPS and IPS, respectively. It is shown that by combining IPS with the threshold reporting mechanism one can achieve a nearly optimal bandwidth utilization (by avoiding nearly all fragmentation losses). IPS, however, causes an increased packet delay and delay variation for CBR traffic in comparison with FPS. In order to eliminate this drawback, we combine the IPS scheduling algorithm with a rate-based scheme for the highest priority (CBR) traffic. The combined IPSA algorithm provides an interesting trade-off between the efficiency, which is still near to the optimal, and the delay characteristics of time critical applications. Finally, we also demonstrate that unfairness arises with FPS under asymmetric traffic conditions, that is, ONUs with more best effort traffic are favored by FPS. Whereas asymmetric traffic conditions only slightly affect the fairness of IPS under low load conditions.     

Energy-saving scheme based on downstream packet scheduling in ethernet passive optical networks

With increasing network sizes, the energy consumption of Passive Optical Networks (PONs) has grown significantly. Therefore, it is important to design effective energy-saving schemes in PONs. Generally, energy-saving schemes have focused on sleeping the low-loaded Optical Network Units (ONUs), which tends to bring large packet delays. Further, the traditional ONU sleep modes are not capable of sleeping the transmitter and receiver independently, though they are not required to transmit or receive packets. Clearly, this approach contributes to wasted energy. Thus, in this paper, we propose an Energy-Saving scheme that is based on downstream Packet Scheduling (ESPS) in Ethernet PON (EPON). First, we design both an algorithm and a rule for downstream packet scheduling at the inter- and intra-ONU levels, respectively, to reduce the downstream packet delay. After that, we propose a hybrid sleep mode that contains not only ONU deep sleep mode but also independent sleep modes for the transmitter and the receiver. This ensures that the energy consumed by the ONUs is minimal. To realize the hybrid sleep mode, a modified GATE control message is designed that involves 10 time points for sleep processes. In ESPS, the 10 time points are calculated according to the allocated bandwidths in both the upstream and the downstream. The simulation results show that ESPS outperforms traditional Upstream Centric Scheduling (UCS) scheme in terms of energy consumption and the average delay for both real-time and non-real-time packets downstream. The simulation results also show that the average energy consumption of each ONU in larger-sized networks is less than that in smaller-sized networks; hence, our ESPS is better suited for larger-sized networks.     

基于国际标准的新型EPON动态带宽分配方案

提出一种新的基于国际标准和区分服务(Differentiated Service)的以太无源光网络(EPON)动态带宽分配(dynamic bandwidth allocation,DBA)方案,该方案不仅能够在上行方向为多个光网络单元(Optical Network Unit,ONU)高效并公平地分配有限的带宽,而且能够最大限度地保证不同ONU间及不同通信等级间的公平性以及高等级通信的服务质量(QoS)要求.仿真结果证明,与现有算法相比,本算法在延时和利用率方面均有改进,在重负荷情况下改进更明显.     

OSLG: A new granting scheme in WDM Ethernet passive optical networks

Several granting schemes have been proposed to grant transmission window and dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) in passive optical networks (PON). Generally, granting schemes suffer from bandwidth wastage of granted windows. Here, we propose a new granting scheme for WDM Ethernet PONs, called optical network unit (ONU) Side Limited Granting (OSLG) that conserves upstream bandwidth, thus resulting in decreasing queuing delay and packet drop ratio. In OSLG instead of optical line terminal (OLT), each ONU determines its transmission window. Two OSLG algorithms are proposed in this paper: the OSLG_GA algorithm that determines the size of its transmission window in such a way that the bandwidth wastage problem is relieved, and the OSLG_SC algorithm that saves unused bandwidth for more bandwidth utilization later on. The OSLG can be used as granting scheme of any DBA to provide better performance in the terms of packet drop ratio and queuing delay. Our performance evaluations show the effectiveness of OSLG in reducing packet drop ratio and queuing delay under different DBA techniques.     

一种APON上行带宽分配方案

文中介绍了APOW（ATM无源光网络）,在此基础上提出了APON上行带宽动态分配的一种方案--“最小分配”方案：即光线路终端（OLT）在分配上行带宽时,首先满足各光网络单元（ONU）的基本带宽需求,以保证电话等实时业务的传输;同时又以特定的算法使ONU中的上行发送缓冲队列最短。最后,使用仿真手段对本方案与“平均分配”方案进行了性能比较。“最小分配”方案的平均信元接入时延、ONU上发缓冲区尺寸、上行带宽使用效率和信元丢失率等性能指标均优于“平均分配”方案。     

A midterm DBA algorithm for quality of service on aggregation layer EPON networks

This work presents a new approach on dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) for Ethernet Passive Optical Networks (EPONs). A brief introduction to the DBA area and major term definitions are given. The related research and standardization efforts are presented. Justification that EPONs can be used on the aggregation network is provided, based on their evolution and related research proposals. Focus is given to the Long Reach-Passive Optical Networks (LR-PONs) and their limitations which show the need for a non-polling, midterm DBA scheme for next-generation EPONs. The challenges arising, because of this new approach, are discussed along with possible solutions. Finally, this work proposes the EMDBA algorithm which is able to overcome the discussed issues. The correct operation of this algorithm is confirmed by a set of simulations using OMNet++ framework, and the outcome results show that EMDBA performance is satisfactory in terms of delay and service differentiation.     

Wavelength channel minimization-based energy-aware mechanism in a multichannel EPON

We propose an energy-aware mechanism (EAM) applicable to the multichannel Ethernet Passive Optical Network that can minimize the number of wavelength channels used and save energy. Wavelength channel minimization is processed by collecting the information such as request message, allocated grant, and start time of each optical network unit (ONU) transmission in the previously elapsed scheduling cycles and comparing it with the buffer occupancy and packet delay conditions of the ONUs required by the user’s quality-of-service requirement. They are exchanged between the optical line terminal (OLT) and the ONUs via the multipoint control protocol. In this way, at the beginning of each scheduling cycle, the ONU’s buffer occupancy and packet delay conditions can be evaluated, and then, the OLT decides the smallest number of wavelength channels to be used in the current scheduling cycle. By turning off the OLT receivers corresponding to the unused wavelength channels, the OLT can save energy. The performance of the proposed EAM was evaluated through simulations using nonjoint off-line dynamic bandwidth allocation and dynamic wavelength assignment algorithms. The results showed that the OLT receivers’ power consumption could be reduced by 48 % on average.     

Enhanced IPACT: solving the over-granting problem in long-reach EPON

In this paper we address an issue referred to as “over-granting problem”, which is inherent in the existing dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithms for Ethernet-based Passive Optical Networks (EPON), in particular when deployed for multi-threaded scheme in long-reach scenario. In order to solve this problem we design a scheme for the algorithm of Interleaved Polling with Adapted Cycle Time (IPACT) with the limited service discipline. We evaluate the proposed scheme through simulations for single-thread and double-thread cases and demonstrate that, the network performance can be significantly improved by our solution in terms of average delay, jitter, and throughput.     

新颖的WDM EPON动态带宽调度算法

对WDM EPON的ONU授权调度技术进行了研究,采用调度理论的方法来解决授权调度问题。将授权调度和波长分配进行结合,并将其形式化为矩形Packing问题,采用拟人的策略,提出了基于欧氏距离的高效用ONU带宽分配策略,为WDM EPON中ONU授权调度问题的快速求解提供了一种高效的启发式算法。进一步模拟实验表明,提出的算法可以减少平均分组时延,提高网络带宽利用率,表明算法对授权调度的有效性。     

EPON和WiMAX融合架构下带宽分配和调度机制的研究

以太网无源光网络(EPON)和IEEE 802.16(WiMAX)的融合网络在固定移动混合接入网中被认为是很有前景的接入方式.文中提出了3种WiMAX无线网络与EPON网络系统融合架构,融合系统同时具有光网络的高带宽和无线网络的灵活性.为了在接入网中支持QoS,本文为融合结构提出了一种动态带宽分配算法(DBA)和调度机...     

Architecture of multi-OLT PON systems and its bandwidth allocation algorithms

In this paper, we propose a novel passive optical network (PON) architecture that has multiple optical line terminals (OLTs). Unlike existing PONs where all ONUs are connected to a single OLT, the proposed multi-OLT PON allows subscribers to choose their own service providers from among multiple OLTs. Service companies and subscribers can make service level agreements (SLA) on the amount of bandwidth that each OLT or ONU requires. A new control protocol and bandwidth allocation algorithms appropriate in this new PON environments are suggested. For the downstream, a scheme to share the bandwidth among multiple OLTs is studied to maximize the total transmitted packets while guaranteeing each OLT’s SLA. A modified Limited Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation named mLimited scheme is also proposed for upstream transmission toward multiple OLTs, which maximizes the total upstream throughput while minimizing the delay of each ONU. Performances of the proposed PON architecture and algorithms are analyzed. A PON system with two OLTs and 16 ONUs is used in the analysis. Self-similar traffic reflecting current packet distribution is used in the packet generation. The results show that the proposed DBA schemes efficiently manage bandwidth even when the occurred traffic load is quite different from the reserved bandwidth. It is found that the proposed PON architecture is appropriate in supporting diverse services in future high-speed optical access network.     

Inter‐ONU Bandwidth Scheduling by Using Threshold Reporting and Adaptive Polling for QoS in EPONs

I dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) scheme, an inter–optical network unit (ONU) bandwidth scheduling, is presented to provide quality of service (QoS) to different classes of packets in Ethernet passive optical networks (EPONs). This scheme, referred to as TADBA, is based on efficient threshold reporting from, and adaptive polling order rearranging of, ONUs. It has been shown that the network resources are efficiently allocated among the three traffic classes by guaranteeing the requested QoS, adaptively rearranging the polling orders, and avoiding nearly all fragmentation losses. Simulation results using an OPNET network simulator show that TADBA performs well in comparison to the available allocation scheme for the given parameters, such as packet delay and channel utilization.     

Energy-efficient dynamic wavelength and bandwidth allocation algorithm with delay constraint for time and wavelength division multiplexed passive optical networks

Based on offline scheduling and node modular design,an energy-efficient dynamic wavelength and bandwidth allocation algorithm with the delay constraint (EE-DWBA-DC) was proposed.Optical line terminal (OLT) and optical network units (ONU) were considered to save energy.Under the constraint of packet delay,the number of active wavelengths could be reduced as much as possible and the length of polling cycle was increased.At the same time,the uplink and downlink transmission time of OLT and ONU were concentrated to reduce the state conversion times and extend its low-power duration.In addition,the high energy consumption voids of channels were attempted to be minimized.The simulation results verify that the proposed algorithm can reduce the energy consumption of OLT and ONU and the total energy consumption of the whole network under the premise of guaranteeing packet delay constraints.     

Toward Quality of Service Protection in Ethernet Passive Optical Networks: Challenges and Solutions

This article surveys various solutions proposed to date to support quality of service in EPONs. Namely, we overview the inter-and intra-ONU scheduling solutions and argue, and later show, that although these solutions can help in supporting QoS, they fall short of protecting the requirements of the admitted traffic, especially as the network becomes saturated. Hence, we present an admission control framework that is capable of supporting and protecting the QoS of real-time traffic while guaranteeing a minimum bandwidth for best effort traffic, and present an appropriate dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm. Finally, we present numerical results to show the effectiveness of the proposed solution and compare the performance with that of intra-ONU scheduling solutions.     

A distributed laxity-based priority scheduling scheme for time-sensitive traffic in mobile ad hoc networks

Characteristics of Mobile Ad hoc Networks such as shared broadcast channel, bandwidth and battery power limitations, highly dynamic topology, and location dependent errors, make provisioning of quality of service (QoS) in such networks very difficult. The Medium Access Control (MAC) layer plays a very important role as far as QoS is concerned. The MAC layer is responsible for selecting the next packet to be transmitted and the timing of its transmission. We have proposed a new MAC layer protocol that includes a laxity-based priority scheduling scheme and an associated back-off scheme, for supporting time-sensitive traffic. In the proposed scheduling scheme, we select the next packet to be transmitted, based on its priority value which takes into consideration the uniform laxity budget of the packet, the current packet delivery ratio of the flow to which the packet belongs, and the packet delivery ratio desired by the user. The back-off mechanism devised by us grants a node access to the channel, based on the rank of its highest priority packet in comparison to other such packets queued at nodes in the neighborhood of the current node. We have studied the performance of our protocol that combines a packet scheduling scheme and a channel access scheme through simulation experiments, and the simulation results show that our protocol exhibits a significant improvement in packet delivery ratio under bounded end-to-end delay requirements, compared to the existing 802.11 DCF and the Distributed Priority Scheduling scheme proposed recently in [ACM Wireless Networks Journal 8 (5) (2002) 455–466; Proceedings of ACM MOBICOM '01, July 2001, pp. 200–209].     

Network coding based joint signaling and dynamic bandwidth allocation scheme for inter optical network unit communication in passive optical networks

As an innovative and promising technology, network coding has been introduced to passive optical networks (PON) in recent years to support inter optical network unit (ONU) communication, yet the signaling process and dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) in PON with network coding (NC-PON) still need further study. Thus, we propose a joint signaling and DBA scheme for efficiently supporting differentiated services of inter ONU communication in NC-PON. In the proposed joint scheme, the signaling process lays the foundation to fulfill network coding in PON, and it can not only avoid the potential threat to downstream security in previous schemes but also be suitable for the proposed hybrid dynamic bandwidth allocation (HDBA) scheme. In HDBA, a DBA cycle is divided into two sub-cycles for applying different coding, scheduling and bandwidth allocation strategies to differentiated classes of services. Besides, as network traffic load varies, the entire upstream transmission window for all REPORT messages slides accordingly, leaving the transmission time of one or two sub-cycles to overlap with the bandwidth allocation calculation time at the optical line terminal (the OLT), so that the upstream idle time can be efficiently eliminated. Performance evaluation results validate that compared with the existing two DBA algorithms deployed in NC-PON, HDBA demonstrates the best quality of service (QoS) support in terms of delay for all classes of services, especially guarantees the end-to-end delay bound of high class services. Specifically, HDBA can eliminate queuing delay and scheduling delay of high class services, reduce those of lower class services by at least 20%, and reduce the average end-to-end delay of all services over 50%. Moreover, HDBA also achieves the maximum delay fairness between coded and uncoded lower class services, and medium delay fairness for high class services.     

Intra-ONU bandwidth scheduling in Ethernet passive optical networks

Quality-of-service (QoS) support in Ethernet passive optical networks (EPON) is a crucial concern. However, most studies have only focused on optical line terminal (OLT) capacity allocation amongst multiple optical network units (ONU), and the further issue of intra-ONU allocation remains open. In this work a novel decentralized intra-ONU solution is presented using virtual-time schedulers. Results confirm good performance for a wide range of input traffic classes and loads.