Impact of Multimedia Traffic Characteristics on ATM Network Configuration

This paper proposes a new topological design method, named BXCQ, which optimizes logical network configuration while guaranteeing Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements for each service class in an ATM network. The BXCQ method determines the optimum logical network topology associated with each service class so as to minimize network cost. In our previously proposed Full-Net architecture these different logical topologies can be suitably mapped at the same time on the same ATM physical network by using the Virtual Channel Handler (VCH) to create different logical interconnection networks. The BXCQ method allows us to clarify the relations between multimedia traffic characteristics and desirable logical network configurations in Full-Net. Evaluation results suggest that a service class that is bursty, delay tolerant, and cell loss sensitive with small demand should be supported by a loop-like topology. This study will be useful for designing flexible and cost-effective multimedia networks that can also adapt to not-yet-known services.