Proportional loss rate differentiation in a FIFO queue

The relative differentiated service model is one of several models proposed for service differentiation in networks [IEEE Network Sept/Oct (1999) 26]. In this model, an assurance is given that ‘higher classes will be better, or at least no worse than lower classes.’ This paper describes a relative loss rate differentiation scheme based on RED. The scheme is used for differentially dropping packets in a FIFO queue during times of congestion. The main idea is, if packet losses are unavoidable in the FIFO queuing system, then they should be distributed among the different service classes in the queue in inverse proportion to the service price or weight assigned to each class. The simulation studies using TCP traffic show that the scheme is very effective in ensuring relative loss rate differentiation between service classes. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.