An alternate path routing scheme supporting QOS and fast connection setup in ATM networks

Alternate path routing schemes for connection setup messages in ATM networks can be used to achieve lower connection blocking probabilities and higher network throughput, while still satisfying various QOS requirements. Conventional alternate path routing techniques tend to fall into two classes: progressive control and originating control. In the paper, a new procedure is proposed using elements from both of the previous two routing techniques, allowing for fast connection setup as well as near minimum cost paths. The proposed scheme provides much flexibility in determining the tradeoff between the connection setup time and the other QOS requirements, as reflected in link metrics. Simulation results are presented showing that both small connection setup times and small path costs can be achieved in several network topologies