Priority-based multiplexing of IP-streams onto shared cellular links

We present a new resource allocation strategy that allows efficient mapping of variable-rate IP-streams onto shared cellular links, while minimizing the overall bandwidth consumption and still meeting the individual quality-of-service constraints. It is based on the general principle of class-based queuing, with several modifications to adapt it to the specific characteristics of wireless links. Compared to other simpler solutions that do not support any prioritization of data streams, it yields significant performance improvements in terms of guaranteed bandwidth per user/service and fairness among competing streams, as is shown for a GSM-GPRS system.