A rate-based feedback traffic controller for ATM networks

A rate-based feedback flow control scheme that adjusts the peak rate of bursty sources by taking into account a non-negligible propagation delay between multiple homogeneous sources and a single target is described. Control actions are taken based on the short-term measurements of the arrival rate signal in relations to predefined thresholds. Analytical expressions for computing the trajectory of the arrival rate signal, throughput, and probability of loss of the system are obtained and are compared with an optimum static open-loop policy. Criteria are proposed on how to select the thresholds in the presence of non-negligible propagation delay and on how to choose the appropriate rates in a bursty traffic environment. The authors show, for on-off sources, that depending on propagation delay value a significant gain in throughput can be obtained while keeping tolerable loss and delay