Stop and Go ABR in ATM LANs: performance analysis with GSPNs

In this paper we use Generalized Stochastic Petri Nets (GSPNs) for the performance analysis of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Local Area Networks (LANs) that adopt a peculiar version of the Available Bit Rate (ABR) service category, called Stop and Go ABR. This is a simplified ABR algorithm designed for the provision of best-effort services in low cost ATM LANs, according to which sources can transmit only at two different cell rates, the Peak Cell Rate (PCR) and Minimum Cell Rate (MCR). Results obtained from the solution of GSPN models of simple ATM LAN setups comprising Stop and Go ABR as well as UBR (Unspecified bit rate) users are first validated through detailed simulations, and then used to show that Stop and Go ABR is capable of providing good performance and fairness in a number of different LAN configurations