Abstract: This Generalized Processor Sharing (GPS) is the basis for the packet scheduler of choice in IP routers and ATM switches of the future. The currently accepted approach for the design of GPS schedulers is based on deterministic QoS guarantees, which, it is generally accepted, is overly conservative and leads to limitations on capacity. To address this problem we develop a framework for GPS scheduling which is based on statistical QoS guarantees and statistical multiplexing. We give the design of GPS weights which maximize the coverage of operating points, and also the design of the connection admission control (CAC). The general framework is end-to-end, with two heterogeneous QoS classes coexisting with a third, best effort class. Each QoS class has a specified delay bound together with a bound on the probability of its violation. An important objective is to maximize the bandwidth available to best effort traffic while just satisfying the guarantees of the QoS classes.

Abstract: The traffic shaping system according to the principles of the present invention increases the connection-carrying capacity of a network node by shaping the data cells to increase the admissible number of connections. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the traffic shaping system uses a data buffer at the ingress of the network node to selectively buffer classes of data cells. As such, the traffic shaping system exploits differences in delay tolerances between traffic classes to shape the less delay sensitive traffic classes to reduce the effective bandwidth of a connection of the particular traffic class and thereby increase the nodal connection-carrying capacity. Certain embodiments of the traffic shaping system operate within a framework to provide parameters for the traffic shaping system which increase the connection-carrying capacity for the node while meeting quality of service requirements for the data cells.

Abstract: A method regulates the admission control of, and requests for routing of, virtual circuits in a network by determining network resource requirements for the virtual circuits. In particular, the network resource requirements are based on a set of parameters used to control the flow of information from a communications device onto the virtual circuit. The requirements for network resources typically include buffer space requirements in network nodes and bandwidth requirements in network links, and the parameter used to control the flow of information are those associated with an access regulator. The network resource determination is made for the case where lossless performance in the network is required and in the case where statistical multiplexing with limited loss is allowed. Both constant bit rate and variable bit rate information is considered.

Abstract: An integrated method for congestion control uses access regulator to control the admission of information from a communication device into a network according to a predetermined function characterized by a set of parameters. A node within the network sends a signal indicating a level of congestion in the node to the access regulator, and at least one of the parameters is adjusted in response to the signal. The parameter may additionally be adjusted according to other parameters which are selected according to stability and transient response criteria.