A new algorithm for virtual path network design in ATM networks

Virtual paths (VPs) in an ATM network form a logical network, called VP network (VPN), over the underlying physical network. VPN allows flexible management of network resources and hence its design is an important issue in designing an ATM network. In this paper, we consider the VPN design problem which is formulated as an optimization problem with the objective of minimizing the switching and transmission cost, and control and management cost. We present here, a two-phase heuristic solution for designing a good VPN for a given traffic demand. The first phase is a routing phase in which a route is found between every node pair in the network. In the second phase, paths are selected as VPs using the set of routes generated in the routing phase. A path is selected as a VP so as to minimize the following parameters: (i) the total number of VPs configured; (ii) the number of VPs carried by a link (load); and (iii) the VP hopcount, the number of VPs that are concatenated to form a virtual channel (VC). We study the performance of the proposed algorithm through extensive simulation on various networks. The results show that the VPN generated by the proposed algorithm is good in minimizing the number of VPs configured, the load on a link, and the VP hopcount. The comparison of the results obtained by the proposed algorithm and that of Ahn et al. [Virtual path layout design in ATM networks, in: Proceedings of IEEE INFCOM’94, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1994, pp. 192–200] shows that our algorithm performs better.     

Multicasting VP design methodology using simulated annealing in an ATM network

Multicast routing over semi-permanent VP (virtual path)s in an ATM (asynchronous transfer mode)-based B-ISDN (broadband integrated services digital network) determines a set of VPs connecting from a source node to destination nodes. The problem of finding the optimal constrained multicasting tree over the semi-permanent VPs in an ATM network is known to be NP (nondeterministic polynomial time)-complete. We develop an optimization methodology for searching a constrained multicast routing tree with minimum cost, using simulated annealing technique. We define the problem-dependent components such as state space and cost function, and refine the implementation-dependent factors including initial temperature and cooling schedule. The simulation results show that our optimization methodology demonstrates good behavior in terms of performance on a variety of graphs modeling the sample ATM networks.     

An improved scheme for self-healing in ATM networks

Broadband networks based on ATM technology can carry a large volume of data and can support diverse services like audio, video, and data uniformly. The reliability and availability levels provided by such networks should be very high. Self-healing is an elegant concept in this direction to provide highly reliable networks. A self-healing network can detect failures such as link/node failures and reroute the failed connections automatically using distributed control mechanisms. In this paper, we consider link and node failures including the VP terminating nodes unlike Kawamura and Tokizawa (Self-healing in ATM networks based on virtual path concept, IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications 12 (1) (1994) 120–127). We present here an improved scheme for self-healing in ATM networks based on the concept of backup VPs. The problems we address are: (i) self-healing scheme; and (ii) backup VP routing. Two issues are addressed in the self-healing scheme: (i) backup VP activation protocol; and (ii) dynamic backup VP routing. We propose a new backup VP activation protocol which uses a VC packing strategy which allows the fast and prioritized restoration of critical VCs that were carried by failed VPs. We also propose a distributed dynamic backup VP routing algorithm which reduces the resource contention that may occur when multiple source–destination pairs contend for the routes simultaneously. The objective of the backup VP routing problem is to find a backup VP for each of the working VPs so that the cost of providing the backup is minimized. We propose a heuristic based solution for the backup VP routing problem using the concept of minimum cost shortest paths. We conducted simulation experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed schemes. The results show that the proposed schemes are effective. Comparison of the results with those of the earlier schemes (R. Kawamura, I. Tokizawa, Self-healing in ATM networks based on virtual path concept, IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications 12 (1) (1994) 120–127; C.J. Hou, Design of a fast restoration mechanism for virtual path-based ATM networks, Proceedings of IEEE INFOCOM’97, Kobe, Japan, April 1997) shows that the proposed schemes perform better.     

Reconfiguration for service and self-healing in ATM networks based on virtual paths

This paper presents a reconfiguration scheme resulting in capacity efficiency and fast restoration by utilizing the inherent benefits of Virtual Paths in ATM networks. The unified optimization of bandwidth reconfiguration is addressed so that switched ATM networks can support both service and survivability from a common pool of network spare capacity at a given time. The spare capacity is composed of idle bandwidth and freed up bandwidth from the switch pairs which have a surplus bandwidth. Fast restoration can be achieved by using the pre-optimized network spare bandwidth and preplanned backup Virtual Paths based on the link and node disjoint path routing scheme. The overall operation of the proposed self-healing strategy can be consolidated into distributed fault management functions at ATM layer based on Virtual Paths. The scheme enables a logical Virtual Paths ring protection switching in ATM networks.     

Mobility management and control in intelligent wireless ATM networks

This paper shows how the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) signaling and the Intelligent Network (IN) concept can be exploited to support mobility in an ATM-based network with wireless access parts and mobile users. The proposed architecture exploits the enhanced service control processing features offered by the IN technology to support location management. The access signaling protocol structure is based on the principles of separation between call and bearer channel control, employed in fixed broadband access networks. The design objective is to minimize the changes required to the wired network signaling, by taking advantage of the well-developed capability sets. This allows the easy introduction of the wireless ATM technology (W-ATM) into the real world. It is shown that the proposed signaling protocol model provides cost-effective implementations without degrading the agreed Quality of Service (QoS) and the system's performance. A comparative signaling performance evaluation is carried-out to demonstrate the impact of the proposed signaling protocol architecture onto various performance measures and to quantify the relative gains. The obtained results can be used for network design purposes in a large-scale private installation supporting many users. The signaling protocol architecture aims for private W-ATM networks, but can be readily extended to fulfill the signaling requirements of public environment broadband wireless systems.     

Inter-domain service management of broadband virtual private networks

The emergence of an open market for telecommunication services provides a wide range of opportunities for the provision of value-added services by providers other than public network operators. One service already available today is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that provides dispersed corporate sites with wide-area data communication capabilities using public network services. The introduction of Broadband ISDN allows for the provision of VPN services in a more integrated fashion. However, any effective VPN service must be able to deal with the technological and organizational heterogeneities that are present when providing a high level of service functionality over an arbitrary number of administrative and technological domains. This paper presents a management service for a VPN service that addresses some multi-domain and network heterogeneity issues. It outlines how a design based on the ITU-T's Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) Recommendation was developed and how working prototypes were implemented over real broadband networks.     

Distributed computing architecture for effective management of multimedia streams on DPE

We study a networking architecture model that is built on a distributed processing environment (DPE) for multimedia services suitable for high speed transport networks such as ATM networks. In this architecture, the applications are deployed as units of software building blocks. Each building block provides a layered view for the effective management and control of the multimedia network resources and services according to the concept of telecommunications management network (TMN) and telecommunications information networking architecture (TINA). For the purpose of flexible service provision to users and effective service introduction by service providers, this architecture proposes the adoption of ad hoc service building blocks such as a video on demand building block and a CSCW building block that have interactions with a general purpose building block. This paper also proposes a naming structure for the management of user profiles and session profiles using a directory service system, and an effective control model for multimedia logical device objects using a stream process approach. The proposed model is implemented on a DPE platform that provides various transparencies, ANSAware.     

Intelligent Agents for ATM Network Control and Resource Management: Experiences and Results from an Implementation on a Network Testbed

This paper presents the architecture and implementation of a distributed multi-agent system designed to provide flexible control and efficient resource management of a communications network. The system architecture enables different service providers and the network provider to use different control algorithms on the same logically partitioned physical infrastructure. All the mechanisms have been implemented and successfully tested on real experimental telecommunications networks. The system components are first described and then results from experiments and performance issues are discussed. The problem of interfacing a multi-agent system to network devices is then discussed. Interfacing agents with the network requires some form of programmable interface, since it is necessary, for example, to override conventional ATM signaling. At the moment programmable network device interfaces are not always available, particularly in commercially available devices and, thus, generic operations using management protocols have to be used. A generic architecture for embedding custom network control functionality into ATM networks is described.     

Models for network design,servicing and monitoring of ATM networks based on the virtual path concept

Virtual Path (VP) concept has gained attention in terms of effective deployment of ATM networks for wide-area environment. In this paper, we present models and algorithms for network design and management of ATM networks based on virtual path concept from a network planning perspective. Our approach is based on statistical multiplexing of traffic within a traffic class by using a virtual path for the class and deterministic multiplexing of different virtual paths, and on providing dynamic bandwidth and reconfigurability through virtual path concept depending on traffic load during the course of the day. For some realistic example networks, we observe that considering network dynamism through variation of traffic during the course of a day by doing dynamic bandwidth and virtual path reconfiguration can save between 10 to 14% in network design costs compared to a static network based on maximum busy hour traffic.     

An analytical performance model for the Spidergon NoC with virtual channels

The Spidergon Network-on-Chip (NoC) was proposed to address the demand for a fixed and optimized communication infrastructure for cost-effective multi-processor Systems-on-Chip (MPSoC) development. To deal with the increasing diversity in quality of service requirements of SoC applications, the performance of this architecture needs to be improved. Virtual channels have traditionally been employed to enhance the performance of the interconnect networks. In this paper, we present analytical models to evaluate the message latency and network throughput in the Spidergon NoC and investigate the effect of employing virtual channels. Results obtained through simulation experiments show that the model exhibits a good degree of accuracy in predicting average message latency under various working conditions. Moreover an FPGA implementation of the Spidergon has been developed to provide an accurate analysis of the cost of employing virtual channels in this architecture.     

The MainStreetXpress 36190: a scalable and highly reliable ATM core services switch

This paper describes the architecture and some of the main features of the MainStreetXpress 36190 ATM core services switch. This switch has been designed from the start as a fully functional, central office class ATM switch which can be used already today to create the backbone layer for commercial ATM-based multi-service networks. Due to its modular hardware and software architecture, it provides the required flexibility with respect to interface requirements, signalling/control capabilities and service support. The architecture together with the ATM chip set specifically developed for this switch allows to extend the data throughput of the MainStreetXpress 36190 from 5 Gbit/s into the Tbit/s range by just scaling the central switch fabric. The call processing capability can be scaled well into the MBHCA range (Million Busy Hour Call Attempts) by taking advantage of the specifically developed multi-processor control platform. Full redundancy for all central hardware components and optional redundancy for interface boards and external transmission lines is provided. In combination with a comprehensive hardware/software maintenance and recovery concept based on the vast experience with the EWSD line of digital switches these capabilities provide the reliability and availability required for large ATM carrier networks. Together with the full line of MainStreetXpress components – ranging from network terminations and LAN service units via flexible access multiplexers/switches to scalable ATM multi-service switches and a variety of specific server types all controlled by a common network and service management – the MainStreetXpress 36190 provides carriers with the means to realize fully functional, cost effective ATM based multi-service platforms already today.     

ATM网络中关键服务生存性保证机制

生存性是ＡＴＭ网络中亟待解决的问题,文中在介绍了当前ＡＴＭ网络中基于ＶＰ层的故障恢复机制后,引入生存重要性因子表征网络中不同服务的生存重要性,定义了加权恢复率;基于关键服务生存性保证的要求,提出了关键ＶＣ预建立保证连接和关键ＶＣ优先的实时恢复两种解决方式,并综合形成了关键服务生存性的保证机制。     

A Model ATM Network and APIs for Service Management on an ATM Network

The architectural reference point for our workis a reference model which associates functionality withoperational planes along three orthogonalabstractedmodels. Within the context of this reference model a service management model is proposed. Themodel makes use of APIs for communicating managementinformation between a management application and serviceentities distributed in an ATM network. The APIs are based upon native ATM APIs that are similarto those that have recently been adopted by the ATMForum. The viability of the model is demonstrated bybuilding ATM multimedia services with service management capabilities. The model and the APIs have beenapplied to services executing in a national ATM network.Although the work is motivated by an ATM network, theservice management model is general, and may be applied to other networks as well. Some openissues in service management are brought out.     

Overview of ATM networks: functions and procedures

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the ATM technique. The basic principles of the ATM transfer technique, the B-ISDN layered protocol reference model, as well as the architecture and the main functions of the ATM network, are described in this tutorial. In particular, we present the main characteristics of the ATM technique, the structure of the ATM cell, the functions which deal with the protection from errored cells (HEC procedure) and the identification of the boundaries of the ATM cells (cell delineation and scrambling). The VP/VC concept is explained in detail, and the main principles and functions of the three lowest layers (Physical, ATM and Adaptation) of the B-ISDN layered protocol reference model are surveyed. The issue of Quality of Service parameters in ATM networks is reviewed, and the problem of the allocation of the network resources in response to user demands, as well as the problems of congestion control, Usage Parameter Control (UPC) and traffic modelling in ATM networks, are assessed. Finally, we present ‘possible’ sets of traffic characterization parameters, and show how possible B-ISDN sources can be modelled according to the basic on-off ATM traffic source model.     

Asynchronous spatial division multiplexing router

Asynchronous quasi-delay-insensitive (QDI) NoCs have several advantages over their clocked counterparts. Virtual channel (VC) is the most utilized flow control method in asynchronous routers but spatial division multiplexing (SDM) achieves better throughput performance for best-effort traffic than VC. A novel asynchronous SDM router architecture is presented. Area and latency models are provided to analyse the network performance of all router architectures including wormhole, virtual channel and SDM. Performance comparisons have been made with different configurations of payload size, communication distance, buffer size, port bandwidth, network size and number of VCs/virtual circuits. Compared with VC, SDM achieves higher throughput with lower area overhead.     

Scalable services via egress admission control

Allocating resources for multimedia traffic flows with real-time performance requirements is an important challenge for future packet networks. However, in large-scale networks, individually managing each traffic flow on each of its traversed routers has fundamental scalability limitations, in both the control plane's requirements for signaling, state management, and admission control, and the data plane's requirements for per-flow scheduling mechanisms. In this paper, we develop a scalable architecture and algorithm for quality-of-service management termed egress admission control. In our approach, resource management and admission control are performed only at egress routers, without any coordination among backbone nodes or per-flow management. Our key technique is to develop a framework for admission control under a general “black box” model, which allows for cross traffic that cannot be directly measured, and scheduling policies that may be ill-described across many network nodes. By monitoring and controlling egress routers' class-based arrival and service envelopes, we show how network services can be provisioned via scalable control at the network edge. We illustrate the performance of our approach with a set of simulation experiments using highly bursty traffic flows and find that despite our use of distributed admission control, our approach is able to accurately control the system's admissible region under a wide range of conditions     

QoS based multicast routing algorithms for real time applications

In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in providing real-time multimedia services like digital audio and video over packet-switched networks such as Internet and ATM. These services require certain quality of service (QoS) from the network. The routing algorithm should take QoS factor for an application into account while selecting the most suitable route for the application. In this paper, we introduce a new routing metric and use it with two different heuristics to compute the multicast tree for guaranteed QoS applications that need firm end-to-end delay bound. We then compare the performance of our algorithms with the other proposed QoS-based routing algorithms. Simulations were run over a number of random networks to measure the performance of different algorithms. We studied routing algorithms along with resource reservation and admission control to measure the call throughput over a number of random networks. Simulation results show that our algorithms give a much better performance in terms of call throughput over other proposed schemes.     

On the design of secure ATM networks

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is seen to be a technology that allows flexibility, efficiency and manageable bandwidth on demand to be achieved in high-speed networks. ATM is able to support a variety of applications including voice, video, image and data with different quality of service requirements. This paper addresses the design and implementation of security services and mechanisms in ATM networks. The paper examines the various design options for the placement of security services within the ATM protocol reference model and considers their advantages and disadvantages. The option of placing the security layer between the ATM Adaptation Layer (AAL) and the ATM layer is selected and the design of security services such as confidentiality, integrity and data origin authentication services in the user plane are described. The paper then presents an authentication scheme and key establishment protocol. This protocol is integrated with the existing ATM signaling protocols as part of the call setup procedures in the control plane. Then the paper discusses a public key infrastructure for the ATM environment and considers the design of public key management protocols between ATM nodes and Certification Authority for initializing, retrieving and distributing public key certificates. Finally, the paper considers the design of access control service for ATM networks and discusses the issues involved in the provision of access control mechanisms both at the connection setup phase and during the user data transfer phase. It seems that the developed security design can be transparently integrated to secure ATM networks.     

TCP flow control technique for an interworking interface: hardware implementation

Current TCP flow control depends on packet losses to find the workload that a network can support. A variety of situations, including lossy wireless networks, asymmetric networks and web traffic workload, violates many of the assumptions made by TCP, causing degraded end-to-end performances. To improve the performance of TCP over heterogeneous networks (Ethernet and ATM interconnection), we propose a new technique, which we call Vegas–Snoop+, based on Vegas and Snoop protocols. Two modified service elements take part on the Vegas–Snoop+ technique. First, Vegas service element manages the connection parameters to achieve better throughput. Second, Snoop service element isolates the Ethernet senders from the characteristics of the ATM link. The objective in this paper is to win from advantages of Vegas and Snoop protocols, as well as to search an interconnection interface for networks interoperability. Actually, the development of two new integrated circuits (the BCM5680 (switch) and the BCM5401 (PHY)) orientate researchers to implement, at higher layer of the OSI model, flow control mechanisms to ensure reliability. Vegas–Snoop+ is an implementation of TCP, which gives in this way a solution for traffic management and congestion control improving good throughput with more reliability.     

An adaptive multipath routing scheme for connectionless traffic in an ATM network

This paper addresses the problem of routing connectionless traffic through an ATM network. A solution is proposed based on a per-packet adaptive multipath routing scheme which is added to the routing algorithm implemented at the Inter-Working Units. A scheme is presented that distributes packets among multiple Virtual Paths (VPs) according to the utilization of the links on these VPs. The utilization of the VPs is determined by a periodic feedback mechanism. Simulation studies show the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive multipath routing scheme.The work by J. Sole-Pareta was supported in part by a CIRIT (Generalitat de Catalunya) grant (expedient number EE92/2-338), and in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. INT-94033646. The work by I. Akyildiz was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. INT-94033646.