A histogram-based model for video traffic behavior in an ATM network node with an application to congestion control

Abstract

The authors develop a model for characterizing the behavior of an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) buffer when it is carrying variable-bit-rate video traffic. Traffic smoothing on a frame-by-frame basis allows the modeling of video sources as randomly modulated Poisson processes which are characterized by their bit rate histograms. An M/D/1/N approximation is used to accurately predict results such as buffer occupancy distributions and cell loss rates. Given the bit rate histograms of several individual video sources, a histogram for the aggregate arrival process can be found and the system behavior can be predicted. A new call admission control scheme and policing algorithm are developed based on the model. They can be used to prevent congestion in the network and to protect calls that adhere to parameters given at call setup.