Software and Communication Platforms for High-Performance Collaborative Grid
Pisa team
First year activity
-
WP1 (collaboration with University of Tunis La Manouba)
- Provisioning and resilience schemes for optical networks
- Path computation element and GMPLS protocol suite extensions
- Wired-wireless networks integration
-
WP2 (collaboration with University of Tunis La Manouba)
- Service oriented network architectures
-
WP3 (collaboration with University of Tunis and University of Tunis La Manouba)
- International network topology discovery for the creation of the joint laboratory
Summary of achieved results
Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna has worked during the first year on WP1-Piattaforme Hardware e Software", in particular on the activity "1.A Infrastructure Level - Next generation optical networks". A research activity in collaboration with the University of Tunis "La Manouba" has been carried out, studying the aspects of end-to-end QoS, of traffic engineering. In particular, new algorithms for fault tolerance have been designed in a network-application integrated fashion [1] with the final aim to integrate resilience techniques at the connectivity level and resilience techniques at the content level. In addition automatic mechanisms and service composition techniques have been developed [3]-[5] in order to allow the multimedia application of the end user to interact with the network through a hierarchic stack of service primitives. Finally, the problems caused by physical impairments of the signal in optical fibres have been investigated and proper techniques at the control plane level to prevent these problems have been proposed [6].
As concerns "WP 2 - Integration and assessment of solutions", frameworks to develop protocols in a completely configurable fashion have been investigated and practically implemented.
In addition, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna has worked within "WP3 - Joint experiments within the distributed laboratory", in particular on activity "3.2) Remote measurements platforms". In collaboration with University of Tunis and University of Tunis La Manouba, measurements of bandwidth and traffic have been conducted on the public Internet with the final aim to assess the feasibility of the links for the distributed laboratory, that is the final target of the project. The report of this activity is available for download.
Research products developed
- A distributed software based on Java technology able to coordinate and compose the connectivity services offered by edge routers of a metro-core network with the final scope to speed up the provisioning of advanced connectivity requested by multimedia applications. This software is an essential part of the testbed realized for the demonstration of on-demand VPNs.
- New network simulator have been developed, where the principal functions of the GMPLS control plane of optical networks have been integrated. In particular, the functions of exploration and resource reservation performed by the RSVP-TE signalling protocol have been implemented and in addition the process of flooding of Link State Advertisements of the routing protocol OSPF-TE has been realized.
Publications
- L. Valcarenghi, F. Paolucci, L. Rossi, F. Cugini, P. Castoldi, "Integrated Multi-Layer Bandwidth Recovery for Multimedia Communications", IEEE Workshop on High Performance Switching and Routing (HPSR 2006), 7-9 June 2006, Poznan, Poland
- F. Baroncelli, B. Martini, P. Castoldi, "A robust XML-based approach for network protocols implementation", Proc. of 2nd Reliability issues in Next Generation Optical Networks (RONEXT) Workshop, colocated with ICTON '06, Nottingham, U.K., 18-22 June 2006 (Invited paper)
- F. Baroncelli, B. Martini, L. Valcarenghi and P. Castoldi "Service Composition in Automatically Switched Transport Networks", IEEE International Conference on Networking and Services (ICNS'06) July 16-18, 2006, Silicon Valley, USA
- F. Baroncelli B. Martini P. Castoldi, "Autonomic service provisioning for Automatically Switched Transport Network", Proc. of NGNCON 2006, Jeju, Korea, July 2-6, 2006
- B. Martini F. Baroncelli, V. Martini P. Castoldi "On-demand VPN service provisioning in application-controlled Transport Network", Proc. of NGNCON 2006, Jeju, Korea, July 2-6, 2006
- N. Sambo, A. Giorgetti, N. Andriolli, F. Cugini, L. Valcarenghi, P. Castoldi, "GMPLS Signalling Feedback for Encompassing Physical Impairments in Transparent Optical Networks", IEEE Globecom 2006 - Advanced Technologies and Protocols for Optical Networks, 27 Nov. - 1 Dec. 2006, S. Francisco, USA
Dissemination
The results were presented and discussed during the first Plenary Meeting project held in Tunis on March 29th, 2007. The presentation given by Prof. Castoldi is available for download.
The project results has also been disseminated within:
- Italy-Tunisia International Master on Communication Engineering, http://www.imcne.sssup.it
- Internal Research Centre Workshops held every 3 months
Second year activity
-
WP1 (collaboration with University of Tunis La Manouba)
- Traffic engineering through the use of a Path Computation Element (PCE)
- GMPLS protocol suite extensions
- End-to-end support for Quality of Service (QoS)
-
WP2 (collaboration with University of Tunis La Manouba)
- Service oriented network architectures
-
WP3 (collaboration with University of Tunis and University of Tunis La Manouba)
- Traffic measurements and topology discovery algorithm
Summary of achieved results
Scuola SuperioreSant'Anna has worked during the second year on all 3 WP, cooperating mainly with University of Tunis and University la Manouba.
Concerning "WP1 - Hardware and Software platforms", and in particular on the activity "1.A infrastructure level - Next generation optical networks" has conducted its own research activity in collaboration with University of Tunis La Manouba investigating aspects of (i) traffoc engineering through the use of a Path Computation Element (PCE), (ii) extension of GMPLS protocol suite and (iii) end-to-end support of Quality of Service (QoS).
In particular:
- on the objective (i) the results documented by publications [2] and [3] have been achieved. Within work [2] the limitations of the cooperation among Path Computation Elements (PCEs) based on Path Computation Element Protocol (PCEP) in multi-layer networks whenever the classical "horizontal" approach is adopted with a PCE for each level (optical and electrical). The "vertical" approach (spatial partitioning of the network employing a single multilevel PCE) is proposed as possible solution to avoid both an eccessive exchange of information through PCEP as well as to avoid waste of resources due to an unefficient utilization of the bandwidth and allows to include path attenuation in the path computation.
- On the objective (ii) the research results documented by publication [6] have been achieved. Within work [6], a signaling approach has been proposed for signaling and dynamic estimation of the optical signal qualityduring the lightpath setup and it has been subsequently extended to account for the presence of shared regenerators.
- On the objective (iii) research results documented by publication [8] have been achieved. Within work [8] two solutions have been proposed that aim at implementing an end-to-end signaling to set-up QoS guaranteed connections in WiMax-MPLS integrated networks. The two solutions are based on the integration of WiMax management messages and RSVP-TE signaling messages.
On "WP2-Integration and results assessment" and in particular on activity "2.A Infrastructure level - Assessment of networking solutions" a research activity has been carried out in collaboration with University of Tunis La Manouba realizing service architectures from the experimental point of view. In particular the results are documented by publications [1] and [4]. The activity is focused on the design of the signaling among centralized entities and distributed entities of the Service Plane for the on-demand provisioning of Layer-3 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In particular, the service abstraction and resource virtualization of the network resources are discussed showing how the service plane is capable to map a VPN service request coming from an application into a set of technology-specific directives addressed to GMPLS control plane.
Finally Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna has worked within "WP3- Joint experiments within the distributed laboratory", in particular on activity "3.2) Remote measurement platforms". Bandwith and traffic measurements has been conducted, in collaboration with the University of Tunis and La Manouba, on the public Internet and a measurement campaign of spurious connections (attacks) addressed towards unused IP addresses. The relevant technical report is being prepared. Here is the Power Point presentation of the results.
Research products developed
The two research products developed during the first year has been further improved.
1. The distributed software in Java technology able to coordinate and compose the connectivity services offered by border routers of a metro/core network have been improved in order to automate the provisioning of advanced connectivity directly requested by multimedia applications or grid applications. This software is essential part of the tetstbed demonstrating VPN on demand and it is interfaced towards the network node with the standard interface NETCONF (IETF 4741). For this software a tool for visualizing the virtual topology has been developed, as documented in publication [4]
2. Network simulators have been further developed by integrating the principal funtions of the gMPLS control plane for optical networks. In particular, during the second year, low overhead extensions for the RSVP-TE protocol have been implemented that allow to handle efficiently the presence of node regenerators during the optical path set-up [6].
Publications
1 book chapter
[1] Baroncelli F., Martini B., Martini V., and Castoldi P., "A novel application-to-network interaction paradigm for the on-demand provisioning of VPN services in transport networks", Annual Review of Communications, vol.60, International Engineering Consortium(IEC), December 2007.
8 publications in international conference proceedings
[2] Cugini F., Giorgetti A., Andriolli N., Paolucci F., Valcarenghi L., and Castoldi P., "Multiple Path Computation Element (PCE) Cooperation for Multi-layer Traffic Engineering", OFC 2007, Anaheim (CA), March, 2007.
[3] Cugini F., Paolucci F., Valcarenghi L., and Castoldi P., "Implementing a Path Computation Element (PCE) to encompass physical impairments in transparent networks", OFC 2007, Anaheim (CA), March, 2007.
[4] Martini V., Baroncelli F., Martini B., Castoldi P., Guglielmucci M., Garbouj A., and Mishra S., "Service Plane-aided Visualization of Virtual Topology in transport networks", 1° International Conference on Information and Communication Technology, Hammamet, Tunisia, April, 2007.
[5] Baroncelli F., Martini B., Martini V., and Castoldi P., "A distributed signaling for the provisioning of on-demand VPN services in transport networks", Integrated Network Management (IM) 2007, Munich, Germany, May, 2007.
[6] Sambo N., Cugini F., Andriolli N., Giorgetti A., Valcarenghi L., Castoldi P., "Lightweight RSVP-TE Extensions to Account for Shared Regenerators in Translucent Optical Networks", Photonics in Switching 2007, San Francisco (CA), August, 2007.
[7] Ficara D., Paolucci F., Valcarenghi L., Cugini F., Castoldi P., Giordano S.,"The Beacon Number Problem in a Fully Distributed Topology Discovery Service", Global Telecommunications Conference 2007, GLOBECOM '07, Washington, DC, November, 2007.
[8] Cerutti I., Valcarenghi L., Castoldi P., Tka R., and Kamoun F., "Providing end-to-end Connectivity with QoS Guarantees in Integrated Wireless/Wired Networks", in Proceedings of Broadnets 2007, Raleigh, NC, Sep., 2007.
[9] Valcarenghi L., Paolucci F., Castoldi P., Cugini F., Ficara D., Adami D., and Giordano S., "Topology Discovery and Performance Information Services for Optical Grids", in Proceedings of Broadnets 2007, Raleigh, NC, Sep., 2007 (Invited Paper)
Dissemination
The research activity has been disseminated in terms of acquired new knowledge within seminars or participations to dissemination events. In particular the invited presentation [8] is highlighted as well as the book chapter in the volume Annual Review of Telecommunications, published by IEC [1].
The project results has also been disseminated within:
- 3rd edition of Italy-Tunisia International Master on Communication Engineering, http://www.imcne.sssup.it
- Internal Research Centre Workshops held every 3 months
Third year activity
- WP1 (collaboration with
- Traffic engineering through the use of a Path Computation Element (PCE)
- GMPLS protocol suite extensions
- End-to-end support for Quality of Service (QoS)
- WP2 (collaboration with
- Service oriented network architectures
- WP3 (collaboration with
- Traffic measurements and topology discovery algorithm
Summary of achieved
results
Within “WP1- Hardware and Software Platforms”,
and, particularly within the “1.A Infrastructure level- Next Generation Optical
Networks” activity, the team has carried out its third-year research activity
in collaboration with University of Tunisi Manouba by investigating current issues concerning (i) Traffic
Engineering exploiting Path Computation Element (PCE), (ii) GMPLS protocol
suite extension and (iii) Quality of Service (QoS)
end-to-end support.
In particular:
- Concerning (i), results have been achieved and published in [6] and [8]. In [6], innovative Path Computation
Element (PCE) implementations for GMPLS-based Wavelength Switched Optical
Networks (WSON) have been proposed. In particular a stateless PCE
architecture aiming at avoiding resource contentions exploits additional
information provided by the management plane in order to reduce resource
contention arising among subsequent lightpath requests, thus preserving
overall network scalability. In [8], an experimental activity has been
reported, in which OSPF-TE convergence time is shown to be greater than conventional
OSPF, especially in GMPLS networks when aggregate or detailed wavelength information
is disseminated throughout the network.
- Concerning
(ii) research results have been reported in [3], [4], and [5]. In [3], three novel solutions for the information
flooding of shared regenerators have been proposed. Two of them are based
on OSPF-TE protocol extensions whereas the last one is based on RSVP-TE
protocol extension. Such solutions have been analyzed and evaluated through
simulations in terms of blocking probability and control plane load. In
[4], the problem of the label assignment in Label Switched Optical
Networks in a technology-independent fashion is afforded. In particular,
different label conservation and switching techniques are compared. In
[5], a solution based on the RSVP-TE signalling aiming at evaluating and
handling physical impairments due to cross-talk in optical transparent networks
has been introduced in order to enable larger transparency domains.
- Concerning
(iii), research results have been reported in [1] and [7]. The book
chapter [1] introduces an integration strategy between a wireless WiMax-based domain and a wired MPLS-based domain in
order to enable end-to-end QoS delivery. In [8]
the impact of the mobile paradigm over an adaptive cross-layer strategy
specific of a WiMax system has been evaluated,
thus showing that the cross-layer strategy is extremely effective with
respect to standard non-adaptive or single-layer strategies.
Within “WP2-Integration and results evaluation”, and in particular within the “2.A Infrastructure level- Network solutions evaluation”, the research activity during the third year has been carried out in collaboration with
Finally, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna has further collaborated within “WP3- Joint experiment through geographically-distributed laboratory”, in particular on the “3.2) Remote measurements platforms” activity, which results are documented in [2] and [11]. In [2] the advantages provided by the integration between application-based fault tolerance schemes, such as service replica and migration, and network-based fault tolerance schemes, such as path restoration, are highlighted. In [11] a novel topology discovery algorithm based on recursive network exploration is proposed. The recursive algorithm allows a rapid exploration process convergence and guarantees a link discovery rate close to 100%.
Research products
developed
A research product developed during the second
year has been further extended.
The Java-based software utilized for coordinating
and enabling connectivity services offered by the edge routers of a metro-core
network has been improved in order to automatically provide multimedia and grid
applications with the necessary network resource connectivity provisioning and
monitoring. In particular, the software has been extended with user-based
signalling procedures based on SIP protocol.
Publications
1 book chapter
[1] I. Cerutti, L. Valcarenghi,
D. Marabissi, F. Meucci, L.
Pierucci, L. Ronga, P. Castoldi, E. Del Re, R. Tka, F. Kamoun"IEEE 802.16: Enhanced
Modes of Operation and Integration with Wired MANs",
book chapter in ""Current
Technology Developments of WiMax Systems",
edited by Dr. Maode, to appear,
2009.
3 journal papers
[2] L. Valcarenghi,
F. Cugini, F. Paolucci, P. Castoldi, "Quality of Service Aware Fault Tolerance in
Global Grid Computing", Elsevier Optical Switching and Networking, vol. 5,
no. 2/3, June 2008, pp. 150-158
[3] Nicola Sambo,
Nicola Andriolli, Alessio Giorgetti, Filippo Cugini, Piero Castoldi,“Distributing
Shared Regenerator Information in GMPLS-controlled Translucent Networks”, IEEE
Communication Letters, June 2008
[4] Isabella Cerutti,
Piero Castoldi, “Label
Swapping versus Label Preserving in Packet Switched Networks: Impact on the
Label Space Size”, Elsevier Optical Switching and Networking, Vol. 6, Issue 1,
January 2009, Pages 55-63.
7 publications in international
conference proceedings
[5] N. Sambo,
N. Andriolli, A. Giorgetti,
F. Cugini, L. Valcarenghi,
P. Castoldi, “Introducing Crosstalk-Awareness into
GMPLS-controlled transparent optical networks”, OFC 2008, paper n. OTuA4,
24-28 Feb. 2008, San Diego, California (USA).
[6] P. Castoldi,
F. Paolucci, A. Giorgetti,
F. Cugini, L. Valcarenghi,
S. Huang, K. Kitayama,“PCE-based Wavelength Routed
Optical Networks with Management-augmented RWA”, Proc. of ICTON 2008, Athens,
June 22-26, 2008.
[7] Isabella Cerutti, Filippo Meucci, Piero Castoldi,
Laura Pierucci,“An Adaptive Cross-Layer Strategy for QoS-guaranteed Links in 4G Networks”, IEEE Globecom 2008 Wireless Networking Symposium, 30 Nov.-4 Dec
2008, New Orleans, LA, USA
[8] S. Huang, K. Kitayama, F. Cugini, F. Paolucci, A. Giorgetti, L. Valcarenghi, P. Castoldi,
"An Experimental Analysis on OSPF-TE Convergence Time", APOC 2008,
26–30 October 2008, Dragon Hotel, Hangzhou, China
[9] B. Martini, F. Baroncelli, V. Martini, K. Torkman,
P. Castoldi,“ITU-T RACF implementation for
application-driven QoS control in MPLS networks”,
IFIP/IEEE International Symposium on Integrated Network Management (IM 2009),
June 1-5 2009, NYC (
[10] K. Torkman,
V. Martini, P. Castoldi, B. Martini, F. Baroncelli,“On Semantic and Compliance of SNMP MIBs in IP/MPLS routers”, IFIP/IEEE International Symposium
on Integrated Network Management (IM 2009), June 1-5 2009, NYC (USA)
[11] L. Valcarenghi,
F. Paolucci, F. Cugini, P. Castoldi,“A Recursive Distributed Topology Discovery
Service for Network-Aware Grid Clients”, Proc. of ICC 2009 QoS
and Modelling Symposium, June 14-18, Dresden, Germany.
Dissemination
The research activity has
been disseminated in terms of acquired new knowledge within seminars or
participations to dissemination events.
The project results has
also been disseminated within:
- 3rd edition of Italy-Tunisia International Master on Communication Engineering, http://www.imcne.sssup.it
- Internal Research Centre Workshops held every 3 months
Final activity
Summary of achieved results
During the extension period the Pisa research unit has developed activities on the following WorkPackages:
WP1 - Hardware and Software platforms
Regarding the activity "1A level of infrastructure - the next generation
optical networks," continued the research in collaboration with the University
of Tunis Manouba, studying aspects of traffic engineering through the use of a
Path Computation Element (PCE), extended GMPLS protocol suite and support
end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS). In particular:
- regarding "1.1 A Traffic engineering" were produced results documented in the publication [6], where has been proposed a technology for joint optimization of network and computational resources through the use of Path Computation Element Protocol (PCEP ). The PCEP is proposed as a standard interface for the invocation of Grid Network Service by the Grid Resource Manager (GRM) and the Network Resource Manager (NRM);
- regarding "1.2 A Integration and control of networks" were produced results documented in publications [1] and [7]. [1] presents a critical discussion of the extensions that the protocol suite GMPLS requires to control dynamic translucid optical network (with scattered regeneration) with assurance of of the physical quality of the transmitted signal. In [5] is presented a technique for using the information on the regenerators in the GMPLS protocol suite both in the dissemination phase (routing protocol) and in resources reservation (signaling protocol);
- regarding "1.3 A End-to-end support of QoS" were produced research results documented in the publication [8]. In [8] is proposed a new concept of Quality of Activation (QoA) for WiMAX networks, which addresses the reliability of the signaling protocol of the Flow Service, instead of the protocol of data transmission.
WP2 - Integration and assessment of solutions
Regarding the activity "2.A Infrastructure level: assessment of networking
solutions" has been continued the research in collaboration with the
University Manouba, making further evolve the service architecture developed
during the project. In particular, the results are documented in publications
[2], [3], [7], [9] and [10]. The activity was focused on standardizing the way
in which network services are invoked from an application platform based on
Service Oriented Optical Network (SOON) [10]. In paper [2] is shown an
'on-demand' implementation that is dynamic in the invocation of network
services, while in paper [3] is shown an 'on-request' implementation, of
network mamangement oriented type. [7] presents a complete solution for the
service invocation based on SIP protocol. Finally in [9] are studied issues of
security for multi-provider networks, which use Trust Management techniques.
WP3 - Joint experiments within the distributed laboratory
Regarding activity "3.2 Remote measurements platforms" was produced
publication [4]. In [4] is further employed a new algorithm for topology
discovery based on a recursive algorithm which guarantees a very fast
convergence of the network exploration process ensuring a link discovery rate
next to the total links on the network.
Publications
- N. Sambo, N. Andriolli, A. Giorgetti, F. Cugini, L. Valcarenghi, I. Cerutti, P. Castoldi, "GMPLS-Controlled Dynamic Translucent Optical Networks", IEEE Network, vol. 23, n.3, pag. 34-40, May/June 2009.
- B. Martini, V. Martini, F. Baroncelli, K. Torkman, P. Castoldi, "Application-driven Control of Resources in MultiService Optical Networks", IEEE/OSA Journal of Optical Communications and Networking, vol. 1, n. 2, pag. A270-A283, July 2009.
- F. Baroncelli, B. Martini, V. Martini, P. Castoldi, "A cooperative approach for the automatic configuration of MPLS-based VPNs", International Journal of Grid Computing and Multi-Agent Systems, to appear.
- L. Valcarenghi, F. Paolucci, F. Cugini, P. Castoldi, "A Recursive Distributed Topology Discovery Service for Grid Clients", IEEE Communications Letters, July 2009.
- N. Sambo, A. Giorgetti, F. Cugini, N. Andriolli, L. Valcarenghi, P. Castoldi, "Accounting for Shared Regenerators in GMPLS-controlled Translucent Optical Networks", IEEE Journal of Lightwave Technology, Volume 27, Issue 19, Oct.1, Page(s): 4338 - 4347, 2009.
- F. Cugini, S. Xu, H. Harai, F. Paolucci, L. Valcarenghi, P. Castoldi, "Optical Grid Networking Exploiting Path Computation Element (PCE) Architecture", International Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems, to appear.
- F. Callegati, A. Campi, B. Martini, F. Baroncelli, P. Castoldi, W. Cerroni, V. Martini, G. Corazza, "SIP-based Service Architecture for Application-aware Optical Network", Proc. of the II International Conference on Information and Communication Technology & Accessibility, Hammamet - Tunisia, May 7-9, 2009.
- I. Cerutti, L. Valcarenghi, P. Castoldi, "Quality of Activation (QoA) for Dynamic Service Flows in IEEE 802.16 Networks", Proc. of Globecom 2009, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 30 Nov. - 4 Dec. 2009.
- M. Colombo, F. Martinelli, P. Mori, B. Martini, F. Baroncelli, P. Castoldi, "Resource access in Multi-Provider Networks using Role Based Trust Management", 5th International Workshop on Security and Trust Management (STM 2009), Saint Malo, France, Sept. 24-25, 2009.
- F. Baroncelli, B. Martini, V. Martini, P. Castoldi, "Service Oriented Optical Network Architecture", Proc. of OFC 2009, San Diego, California USA, March 24-26, 2009.
Dissemination
Participation in this project by the units involved, and in particular the
cooperation with the Tunisian group, was given ample evidence in various fields
both nationally and internationally. In particular, on the 8th of May 2009,
was organized in Tunisia a final workshop of the project with the presentation
of the achieved results, attended by the leaders of the scientific research
unit of Pavia, Pisa, and Tunisi and several researchers from the worksgroups.
Knowledge acquired during the project was disseminated in internal courses
held at the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna and at the University of Pavia.
In particular: as part of the lectures on "Network Optimization" and "Wireless
Networks" held by Prof. Castoldi in the academic year 2008/09 for Scuola
Superiore S. Anna internal pupils; in the course of "Communication Networks"
held by Prof. Castoldi and engineer Valcarenghi during the third edition of
the Italo-Tunisian "International Master on Communication Networks Engineering".
The ativity done has been iworented during seminars and participation in
scientific international events. The day of presentation of the final results
of the project, the 8th of May 2009, was open to the public and advertised at
the conference "ICTA 2009 - International Conference on Information and
Communication Technology & Accessibility".
