ATM Network Design: Traffic Models and Optimization-Based Heuristics

We consider the design and capacity expansion of ATM networks as an optimization problem in which flows representing end-to-end variable bit-rate services of different classes are to be multiplexed and routed over ATM trunks and switches so as to minimize the costs of additional switches and transport pipes while meeting service quality and survivability constraints. After an overview of the underlying fractional Brownian motion model for aggregate flows, a nonlinear multicommodity optimization problem is formulated and LP-based heuristics for its approximate solutions are described. Finally, computational results are produced that demonstrate realistic size problems can be solved with the proposed method to shed light on key economic characteristics of ATM traffic, such as safe levels of statistical multiplexing, as well as robust and efficient design alternatives.