DRAGON: A framework for service provisioning in heterogeneous grid networks

Dynamic Resource Allocation in GMPLS Optical Networks (DRAGON) defines a research and experimental framework for high-performance networks required by Grid computing and e-science applications. The DRAGON project is developing technology and deploying network infrastructure which allows dynamic provisioning of network resources in order to establish deterministic paths in direct response to end-user requests. This includes multidomain provisioning of traffic-engineering paths using a distributed control plane across heterogeneous network technologies while including mechanisms for authentication, authorization, accounting (AAA), and scheduling. A reference implementation of this framework has been instantiated in the Washington, DC area and is being utilized to conduct research and development into the deployment of optical networks technologies toward the satisfaction of very-high-performance science application requirements.