A multiple access scheme and an ABR rate control scheme for satellite ATM networks.

摘要

A multiple access scheme for a general multimedia satellite network is proposed. The access scheme utilizes four request handling mechanisms (strategies), each directed toward services having similar requirements. With a flexible association of request strategies to service classes, the multiple access scheme can be suited to the five ATM classes of service, making it an ideal scheme for integrating ATM technology into satellite networks. Performance evaluation using discrete-event simulations shows the excellent performance (throughput and robustness) and features (access fairness and traffic isolation) of the scheme.; An integrated multiple access and rate control scheme for ABR traffic is necessary to achieve efficient bandwidth utilization. This integration requires modifications to the scheduling of ABR transmission and to the switch algorithm. Modifications to integrate the well-known ERICA switch algorithm with the access scheme is described for the case of onboard processing satellites. Efficient uplink utilization is indeed achieved and confirmed through discrete-event simulations. Nevertheless, performance improvement offered by a rate control scheme developed with special consideration to the strengths and limitations of a satellite can be substantial. A new rate control scheme based on the broadcast of congestion information is proposed. The new scheme is shown to offer better performance in many aspects, including bandwidth utilization, fairness, and maximum buffer occupancy.