Scalability and Modularity

SISs must be able to connect with each other in order to create a large network of SISs. It is therefore important for a SIS network architecture to offer scalability and modularity. One possible approach is to adopt a hierarchical network architecture. This facilitates utilizing a hierarchical data structure necessary for multiple level resolution. This feature is especially useful for sensor network applications and for multi-resolution visualization [Gie98, Ham99, Hec99, Kre99] where representing a very large imaging data set at multiple levels of resolution is a mandatory pre-processing step for all further processing of the data, specifically for remote and collaborative data exploration. Another, proposed by Prof. R. Katz, is the Clearinghouse Architecture. The Clearinghouse Architecture supports high end-to-end performance for services with predictable properties. Application of the Clearinghouse Architecture to hierarchical networks can potentially combine the benefits to achieve high end-to-end performance in a scalable and modular network. (**Randy, I know little about Clearinghouse architecture, so please correct where applicable)

Reconfigurability

An SIS must be connected by short-range wireless networks as well as by very high-bandwidth long-haul optical networks. The SIS must dynamically configure, maintain and improve itself depending on the need. Such reconfiguration and adaptation can take place either at a higher layer (e.g. IP) or at a lower layer (e.g. optical or wireless layer). We will investigate an optical networking technology which will facilitate such reconfiguration and adaptation at the optical layer. In particular, we will pursue Optical-Label-Switching technology [Yoo971, Yoo972, ChYo99, MeYo00, Yoo01] for high throughput and low latency. Optical-Label switching provides layer 2 and layer 3 switching based on a short label which includes information on traffic engineering, quality of service (QoS), type of service (ToS), and class of service (CoS). In addition, the multi-wavelength platform provides a very high and scalable network capacity. Dynamic reconfiguration and reallocation of network resources are possible in Optical-Label Switching. Under the current support from DARPA and NSF, we are in the process of designing Optical-Label Switching architecture that will interoperate with MPLS and MPLambdaS via GMPLS signaling. Leveraging the existing support, we propose to investigate Optical-Label Switching (OLS) technology that will cooperate with the Clearing House architecture. Again, a hierarchical model may be useful since Optical-Label Switching will be used for wide area networks.

NC&M

Network Control and Management of a SIS network is a challenge as it must deal with multiple domains and heterogeneous applications. We will pursue a hierarchical NC&M model where a higher level NC&M will interface with a local NC&M at each domain. NC&M parameters will be exchanged at the boundaries for end-to-end signaling across the domains. In order to achieve dynamic and adaptive trunking in the Clearinghouse architecture, a simplified monitoring technique based on the label will be pursued. A collection of labels for each flow will provide a concise summary of the traffic pattern and the network performance. Adaptive trunking as well as billing can be based on this summary. Label based forwarding can also benefit from its capability to accommodate abbreviated QoS, CoS, and ToS parameters in the label. Dynamic network capacity allocation based on these parameters will also be pursued. Such agile capabilities of NC&M will allow integration of a relatively accurate network simulator and the NC&M system itself. Real-time network simulation and monitoring will help network operators to correctly predict and mitigate undesirable problems in the network.

[Gie98]T. S. Gieng, B. Hamann, K. I. Joy, G. L. Schussman, and I. J. Trotts (1998), Constructing Hierarchies for Triangle Meshes, IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics 4(2), pp. 145--161.

[Ham99]B. Hamann, B. W. Jordan, and D. A. Wiley (1999), On a Construction of a Hierarchy of Best Linear Spline Approximations Using Repeated Bisection, IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics 5(1), pp. 30--46.

[Hec99]B. Heckel, G. H. Weber, B. Hamann, and K. I. Joy (1999), Construction of Vector Field Hierarchies, in: Gross, M., Ebert, D. S. and Hamann, B., eds., Proc. Visualization '99, IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos, California, pp. 19--25.

[Kre99]O. Kreylos and B. Hamann (1999), On Simulated Annealing and the Construction of Linear Spline Approximations for Scattered Data, in: Groller, E., Loffelmann, H. and Ribarsky, W., eds., Data Visualization '99 (Proc. Joint EUROGRAPHICS-IEEE TCCG Symposium on Visualization), Springer-Verlag, Vienna, Austria, pp. 189--198.

[Yoo971]“Ultra-low latency optical-label switching for the Next Generation Internet,” S. J. B. Yoo, G. K. Chang, U.S. Patent, pending (applied 1997).

[Yoo972]“Ultra-low latency optical-label switching for the Next Generation Internet,” S. J. B. Yoo, G. K. Chang, John Wei, Y. J. Chen, DARPA proposal and relevant reports to the contract (1997)

[ChYo99]G. K. Chang, G. Ellinas, B. Meagher, W. Xin, S. J. B. Yoo, M. Z. Iqbal, W. Way, J. Young, H. Dai, Y. J. Chen, C. D. Lee, X. Yang, A. Chowdhury and S. Chen, “Low Latency Packet Forwarding in IP over WDM Networks Using Optical Label Switching Techniques,” IEEE LEOS 1999 Annual Meeting, Technical Digest, Paper MB#1, pp. 17-18. (invited)

[MeYo00] B. Meagher, G. K. Chang, G. Ellinas, Y. M. Lin, W. Xin, T. F. Chen, X. Yang, a. Chowdhury, J. Young, S. J. B. Yoo, C. Lee, M. Z. Iqbal, T. Rober, Y. J. Chen, and W. I. Way, “Design and Implementation of Ultra-low Latency Optical-Label Switching for Packet-Switched WDM Networks,” December issue IEEE/OSA Journal of Lightwave Technology (2000)

[Yoo01] S. J. B. Yoo, Hyuek Jae Lee, Srikanth Vaidianathan, Katsunari Okamoto, Shin Kamei, “Optical-Label Switching and routing by Tunable Wavelength Conversion and Uniform Loss Cyclic Frequency Array-Waveguide Grating,” Technical Digest, Optical Fiber Communication Conference, Anaheim, California, paper #WDD49 (2001)