Word processed copy.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-79).Optical burst switching (OBS) is a promising technology designed to meet the growing demands for internet handwidth and better Quality of Service (QoS). This technology provides all optical and high speed switching to overcome the bottleneck of electronic routers in the core network. In this thesis, I describe several critical issues that affect OBS networks. I highlight the need to resolve contention efficiently and cost-effectively to improve QoS in OBS networks
