Practical Algorithms for Multicast Support in Input Queues Switches

Abstract — This paper deals with multicast flow support in N × N Input Queued switch architectures. A practical approach to support multicast traffic is presented, assuming that O(N) queues are available at each input port. The focus is on dynamic queueing policies, where, at each input port, multicast flows are assigned to one among the available queues when flows become active: flows are assigned to queues according to switch queue status and, possibly, to flow information. We discuss queueing assignments, scheduling algorithms and flow activity definition models. We explain why dynamic queueing disciplines may outperform static policies, and we show that, even in the most favorable conditions for static policies, they provide comparable performance. I

Measurement Based Reconfigurations in Optical Ring Metro Networks

Single-hop wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical ring networks operating in packet mode are one of themost promising architectures for the design of innovative metropolitan network (metro) architectures. They permit a cost-effective design, with a good combination of optical and electronic technologies, while supporting features like restoration and reconfiguration that are essential in any metro scenario. In this article, we address the tunability requirements that lead to an effective resource usage and permit reconfiguration in optical WDM metros.We introduce reconfiguration algorithms that, on the basis of traffic measurements, adapt the network configuration to traffic demands to optimize performance. Using a specific network architecture as a reference case, the paper aims at the broader goal of showing which are the advantages fostered by innovative network designs exploiting the features of optical technologies

Printability and microstructure of the CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

The CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy is a promising candidate for metal additive manufacturing. In this study, single-layer and multi-layer builds were produced by laser powder bed fusion to study microstructure formation in rapid cooling and its evolution during repeated metal deposition. CoCrFeMnNi showed good printability with high consolidation and uniform high hardness. It is shown that microstructure in the printed alloy is governed by epitaxial growth and competitive grain growth. As a consequence, a bi-directional scanning pattern without rotation in subsequent layers generates a dominant alternating sequence of two crystal orientations

Emergent electricity customer classification

Various techniques for electricity customer classification are presented and discussed, with the focus on highlighting the behaviour of electricity customers. The surveyed techniques include classical approaches (applications of statistics and deterministic clustering algorithms), as well as methods based on artificial intelligence (neural networks and fuzzy systems). The classification techniques are illustrated by using various sets of features characterising the shape of the load patterns. Different approaches for feature selection, both in the time and in the frequency domain, are discussed. A number of specific metrics, some of which were originally developed by the authors, are applied in order to quantify the classification adequacy and to identify the most suitable classification techniques. Detailed results obtained from real life applications are provided

Load pattern-based classification of electricity customers

Accurate knowledge of the customers' consumption patterns represents a worthwhile asset for electricity providers in competitive electricity markets. Various approaches can be used for grouping customers that exhibit similar electrical behavior into customer classes. In this paper, we focus on two approaches for customer classification-a modified follow-the-leader algorithm and the self-organizing maps. We include an overview of basic theory for these methods and discuss the performance of the customer classification on the real case of a set of customers supplied by a distribution company. We compare the results obtained from the two approaches by means of two suitably defined adequacy indicators and discuss the potential applications of the surveyed approaches