A mathematical model and related problems of optimal management and design in a broadband integrated services network

Abstract

This paper describes a mathematical model for a broadband integrated services network offered traffic of many different types. Performance measures are introduced related to revenue generation and overall grade-of-service, providing criteria for the optimal management of resources. Simple asymptotic expressions are derived for quantities termed the “implied costs”, which measure the effect on performance of changes in parameters that are controllable by network management, or that are subject to variation. These implied costs may be used, both to implement optimal bandwidth allocation polices, and also to indicate which services may share a single facility without adversely affecting performance, and which might require a dedicated facility. Asymptotic results are also used to examine how to make efficient use of capacity that is shared between calls with fluctuating bit-rate requirements.