Efficient support for multicast applications over VP-based ATM networks

In this paper, we present a new network design problem that is applicable for designing virtual paths (VPs) in an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network to efficiently support multicast applications. We first address several alternatives for the solution and compare their properties. Then we focus on a new solution which sets up a semi-permanent VP layout (VPL) and constructs VC trees for different multicast traffic demand patterns based on the constructed VPL. A three-phase heuristic solution is proposed for designing a good virtual-path layout for a given set of multicast traffic demand patterns. Simulations are performed on randomly generated networks to demonstrate the performance and scalability of our solution.