Memory- and channel-sharing techniques for congestion control in ATM networks

The use of two resource-sharing techniques for congestion control in a backbone asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network consisting of ATM cross-connects interconnected with high-speed optical links such as 2.4-Gb/s OC-48c fibers is studied. Memory sharing allows an optimal shared use of buffer space in an ATM switch fabric. Channel (or line) sharing, on the other hand, takes advantage of spare line capacity in the system to permit temporary increases in the output rates of the congested output ports. Fundamental bounds on delay-throughput performance and buffer requirements for specific cell loss rates are presented, and two practical application scenarios, representing line protection arrangements with and without service access capabilities, are introduced.<>