Maximum delay in buffered multistage interconnection networks

The author studies maximum delay in buffered multistage interconnection networks. His model differs from most in its assumptions about the traffic entering the network. Instead of using a stochastic model for the entering traffic, it is assumed that the entering traffic is unknown but satisfies certain regularity constraints. In case these constraints would not otherwise be satisfied, it is possible to devise and analyze processing (and the associated delay) that can be performed so that the constraints are satisfied. The constraints considered are well suited for bounding parameters of interest. For example, bounds on maximum network delay for each user of the network are easily obtained. The methods presented can be applied to a wide variety of models for network operation and configuration