Flexible multi-QoS logical ATM network (full-net)

This paper proposes Full-Net (Flexible Multi-QoS Logical ATM Network), a simple, flexible, and cost-effective network architecture that will enable the development of an advanced multimedia communications network. The backbone of this Full-Net is a VP (virtual path) network where mesh interconnection is made possible between all VCH (virtual channel handler) switches. End-to-end QoS (quality of service) control is executed at access points to the VP network to map out each optimum VC (virtual channel) according to the VCs' respective service characteristics. This is done independently and simultaneously on the same physical ATM network. In the proposed network, a relatively small size switching system is utilized as a transit switch or a local switch depending on the service request. That is, the logical topology of the VC network is altered in response to individual service requests, and multiple VC networks are realized by overlapping them on the same physical network. In order to assure high QoS and construct an optimum VC network, two parameters which characterize the VC network topology are introduced; one is the disjoint route D and the other is the hop limit H. Traffic reliability is the most important QoS factor, and it is shown that an optimum disjoint number D can be determined to maximize the network resource. In the Full-Net, it is clearly shown that it is possible to control easily the end-to-end delay characteristic, also a critical QoS factor, at one or two VCH access points to VP network. The flexible node system PUN (programmable unified node) used in the Full-Net is also described in this paper. The Full-Net described is proposed as an efficient solution for sophisticated network architectures which will satisfy the demand for new services and will flexibly meet the varying demands of the future multimedia age.