PDQRAP-prioritized distributed queueing random access protocol

A new MAC layer protocol, DQRAP (distributed queueing random access protocol), provides performance with respect to throughput and delay that approaches that of an ideal protocol. The paper introduces PDQRAP, a prioritized version of DQRAP. Two formats, the extra-bit and the extra-slot, each a variation of the basic DQRAP are described. Simulation results are presented that show that under a total traffic load of 90%, a high priority segment of 20%-30% in either format has delay characteristics ranging from one-third to one-half of the delay characteristics of the normal priority traffic. The relative advantages and disadvantages of each format ore discussed. It is suggested that PDQRAP could be the mechanism that allowed a shared medium to economically transport traffic associated with multi-media services utilizing LANs, MANs, and WANs.<>