Forward error correction with buffer management in multimedia ATM networks

Conventional data reliability techniques such as retransmission-based error recovery schemes can result in intolerable storage requirements and data delay when used in high bandwidth delay-product networks. In this case forward error correction (FEC) can be used. FEC allows the destination to reconstruct missing data packets by using redundant parity packets that the source adds to each block of data packets. This pager uses simulation to study the loss behaviour of an output buffered cell multiplexer for different traffic scenarios. We add intelligence to various space priority buffer algorithms in order to disperse missing packets among many blocks, thereby reducing the block loss rate and the required coding complexity. We then investigate the effectiveness of FEC schemes together with buffer management algorithms for different traffic scenarios.