A Testbed for Validation and Assessment of Frame Switching Networks

Packet assembly at the network edge is one solution to reduce high packet rates in core network switches. Literature discusses this topic controversially because of three reasons: (1) potential negative impact of packet assembly on the traffic characteristics, (2) disruptive integration into existing networks and (3) lack of support of packet assembly in existing control plane environment. In this paper, we introduce our testbed with 10 Gbps packet assembly nodes at the network edge and a GMPLS (Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching) control plane for its management. Our testbed integrates transparently in existing Ethernet based networks and allows comprehensive studies on the impact of packet assembly on the traffic characteristics by measurements. Beside feasibility, for early findings, we setup a measurement scenario and quantified the impact of packet assembly in terms of packet latency. For realistic traffic conditions, we found that the additional delays and jitter introduced by the assembly process are negligible.