Performance analysis of a hierarchical switched network architecture

Abstract

In an effort to solve the problems encountered by the current internet, we have proposed an original hierarchical switched network (HSNet) architecture with the new address structure and hierarchical switching and controlling protocols including a per-flow load-balancing algorithm for HSNet. To evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed architecture and the load-balancing algorithm, this paper conducts extensive NS-2 simulation experiments. Furthermore, we prototype the switching equipment of HSNet based on the Intel IXP2800 Network Processor and test the equipment by virtue of the professional measuring instrument, i.e., Agilent N2X. In addition to the simulation experiments, a test-bed of HSNet is then built based on the developed switching equipments. Both the simulation and real experimental results demonstrate that the per-flow load balancing algorithm can effectively balance the load on network channels for HSNet, and the developed switching equipment can achieve a high throughput.