Congestion Control of Store-and-Forward Networks by Input Buffer Limits--An Analysis

The use of input buffer limits for congestion control of store-and-forward networks is investigated. An analytic model is formulated. Based upon the analytic results, strategies are proposed for the design of input buffer limits to achieve the maximum network throughput as well as to provide a safety margin for uncertainties in traffic assumptions. A useful capacity law is discovered. Major conclusions drawn from the analysis are supported by simulation results for a fournode homogeneous network. These results indicate that input buffer limits which satisfy the capacity law are a simple and effective means of network congestion control. Further simulation studies are underway to investigate methods of implementation in a general network.