SDL-based hierarchical model for multicasting in PNNI

The PNNI protocol is an ATM Forum recommendation and may be adopted by ITU-T in the near future. The most distinctive and attractive feature of PNNI (private network-network interface) network is its hierarchical network structure. However, such a theoretical and abstract hierarchical idea requires a formalized and concrete method to be applied to its implementation. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model of PNNI. We extend this approach to our PNNI routing model and realize it using a formal language-SDL (specification and description language)(see WaiKin Chan et al., ICCT'98, vol.2.2 s41-09, 1998). The partial SDL specifications are presented. The mathematical model described in this paper can also be used in modelling of other hierarchical networks.