On laying out virtual paths for real-time message streams in ATM networks

Given an ATM network topology, the link capacity, and the traffic characteristics, we consider the problem of laying out virtual paths over an ATM network to facilitate the timely transmission of isochronous message streams. Specifically, we characterize each message stream in a message stream set with the real-time channel model, and propose a VP layout scheme that determines a near-optimal VP layout which is capable to provide deterministic delay bound desired for each message stream. Such a VP layout is obtained by reserving as minimal bandwidth on each physical link as possible. We then analytically derive and devise all the component procedures in the proposed scheme in detail. We also present simulation results to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed VP layout scheme.