Approximate Modeling of Optical Buffers for Variable Length Packets

This paper addresses the problem of dimensioning buffers realized by means of fiber delay lines in optical routers able to switch packets that have variable length and are sent asynchronously on the optical links. The optical buffer is analyzed focusing on the different behavior of a delay buffer and an electronic memory. The role of the time unit of the fiber delay lines is discussed, showing that it is a crucial parameter to determine the queuing performance. The paper presents two approximate analytical models that can be used both for analysis and engineering of the optical buffer and in particular to dimension the buffer time unit in an way that is optimal with respect to packet loss probability. The first model is based on an infinite queuing approximation. It is not very accurate and is valid for a limited set of values of the traffic load, but is extremely simple. The second model is based on a finite queuing approximation. It is more complex but more accurate and is valid for any value of traffic load. The accuracy of the models is compared with simulation and their range of applicability purposes is discussed.