ABR Flow Control for Multipoint Connections

TL;DR

This paper explores flow control mechanisms for ABR service in ATM networks, focusing on multipoint-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections to enhance network efficiency and support diverse applications.

Contribution

It analyzes flow control strategies for ABR in multipoint connections, addressing current standards and future developments for ATM networks.

Findings

Proposes flow control methods for multipoint-to-point ABR connections.

Examines signaling and routing specifications for multipoint capabilities.

Discusses future support for multipoint-to-point ABR services.

Abstract

Multipoint capabilities are essential for ATM networks to efficiently support many applications, including IP multicasting and overlay applications. The current signaling and routing specifications for ATM define point-to-multipoint capabilities. Multipoint-to-point connection support is also being discussed by the signaling and PNNI groups, and will be defined in the near future for the unspecified bit rate (UBR) service. We examine point-to-multipoint and multipoint-to-point flow control for the available bit rate (ABR) service, as discussed in the traffic management working group.