Dynamic bandwidth allocation in multi-class connection-oriented networks

Multi-class network is becoming a more attractive solution to provide Quality-of-Service guarantee, as more quality-demanding applications are emerging. This research considers networks that provide connection-oriented services, as in ATM and MPLS technologies, for example. A common scheme for Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (DBA) in connection-oriented communications is to dynamically segregate bandwidth between different traffic categories. These categories can represent topological Virtual Paths or different Classes-ofService with different Quality-of-Service requirements. Bandwidth segregation can be efficient if and only if demands for different Classesof-Service or different Virtual Paths can be predicted accurately. This led us to develop a novel algorithm that has a much wider vision in allocating resources than classical distributed algorithms. We call the proposed algorithm, Virtual Demand Distribution (VDD) algorithm. This algorithm utilizes signaling packets to broadcast information that enhances the performance of DBA algorithms. Mathematical analysis of multi-class connection-oriented networks and performance analysis/comparisons of the proposed VDD algorithm and a Simple Distributed algorithm are presented. q 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.