Performance Modeling of ATM-Based Networks

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) has been chosen as the multiplexing technique for Broadband Integrated Services Digital Net­ works. Under ATM, all information types (voice, data, image and video) are represented in terms of standardized units called cells. The accep­ tance of the ATM cell by the computer and communications industry as standard unit of information exchange will have a significant impact on the future development of communications infrastructure and end-user equipment. In this paper, we consider the performance modeling and evaluation of ATM-based networks. The performance issues at the ATM Layer and the ATM Adaptation Layer (AAL) are discussed. These in­ clude traffic characterization, multiplexing and switching, quality of ser­ vice classes, call acceptance, congestion control, and AAL performance. Performance results on multiplexing and switching, and LAN intercon­ nection using an ATM switch, are presented.