Variable-bit-rate traffic control in B-ISDN

Four service categories, corresponding to recognized user demands, whose traffic control requirements are distinct are identified. The dependence of the traffic control strategy on the behavior of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) multiplexers as queuing systems is discussed, and qualitative conclusions are drawn about the nature of the dependence of performance on capacity and offered traffic from the results of recently developed queuing models. In discussion traffic control alternatives, attention is restricted to one aspect of traffic control: the relationship between traffic descriptors, admission control procedures, and traffic parameter enforcement. The results of the analysis concerning the appropriate form of control for the four service categories are summarized.<>