Flex Net Sim: A Lightly Manual

TL;DR

Flex Net Sim is a C++ library designed to simplify the development and comparison of resource allocation algorithms in elastic optical networks by providing a common, modular simulation platform.

Contribution

The paper introduces a reusable C++ library that standardizes simulation modules for elastic optical networks, reducing redundant development efforts.

Findings

Enables focus on algorithm development rather than simulator maintenance

Provides a flexible, modular simulation environment for elastic optical networks

Facilitates comparison of resource allocation strategies

Abstract

A common problem in elastic optical networks is to study the behavior of different resources allocation algorithms, such as signal modulation formats or quality of service, in optical networks in dynamic scenarios where connections are assigned and released following different traffic profiles. To achieve this, one of the busiest tools is simulators. Normally each research group has its own simulator created entirely by them, which works on a particular simulation scenario, generating multiple versions of the same simulator. For this reason, this project aims to create a tool that allows focusing on the creation of algorithms, generating a common platform for simulation. We present a C ++ library that contains the most common modules belonging to an event-oriented simulator for flexible grid optical networks. This library allows researchers to worry about algorithm generation rather than maintaining/modifying a simulator. The final product is a library capable of being included in any program written in C ++, allowing the design of resource allocation algorithms through macros used in the same source file of the user that uses the library.