A buffer allocation scheme for ATM networks: complete sharing based on virtual partition

Buffer allocation to provide an efficient and fair use of the available buffer spaces is critically important for ATM networks. A complete sharing with virtual partition (CSVP) strategy for buffer management at a multiplexer or an output port of an output buffered switch is proposed and analyzed. The total buffer space is partitioned based on the relative traffic loads (measured or estimated). Virtual partition allows a newly arriving cell belonging to an oversubscribed type to occupy the spare space of an undersubscribed type, and to be overwritten when necessary. Using a fluid flow approach, a set of partial differential equations with a triangular stability region is established to characterize the dynamics of a system supporting two traffic flows. Under a buffer full condition, the system behavior is described by a set of non-homogeneous ordinary differential equations. The cell loss probability for each traffic type is obtained by solving the ordinary differential equations. Numerical examples indicate that by appropriately selecting the partitions, the CSVP method may be used to provide differential cell loss rate requirements by the different traffic types