Network analysis using the ASON/GMPLS emulator EGEM

There is a need in the telecom industry for automatically switched optical network/generalized multiprotocol label switching (ASON/GMPLS) network planning guidelines in order to maximize the use of resources while at the same time ensure that protection and restoration guarantees are provided. Analysis is needed for the current status of an ASON/GMPLS network, as well as the impact of adding new customer traffic or network resources, or investigating the effect of a failed link or node. The results of this analysis can be used by a network operator for network planning purposes. In addition, network operators also require insight into the performance of the optical control plane in terms of service set-up time and restoration time for different survivability schemes. This kind of analysis is of use in network research labs to improve the performance of network elements and networks. This paper describes eGEM, an enhanced GMPLS emulator that allows emulation of large and dynamic networks with real network elements, such as Lucent Technologies' LambdaUnite® Multiservice Switch (MSS), included in the emulated network. It is used for analyzing ASON/GMPLS networks with 10 or more elements, to study deployment strategies offline during network planning evaluation/certification, as well as to investigate specifics of signalling protocols on the creation of connections.