Models for analysis of packet voice communications systems

In a packet voice communication system, packets are fed to a common queue by a number of independent voice sources and are removed from this queue on a first-come-first-serve basis for transmission over a communication link of finite capacity. Each voice source alternates between active periods, during which packets are generated at regular intervals, and inactive periods, during which no packets are generated. In this paper, we discuss three models, a semi-Markov process model, a continuous-time Markov chain model, and a uniform arrival and service model, to assess the queueing behavior of such systems. Numerical results obtained from each of the three models are compared to each other, to results obtained from a discrete event simulation program, and to results obtained from an analysis. Parameters of the model are the average duration of active and inactive periods, the packet generation rate, the communication link capacity, and the total number of voice sources. Conclusions are drawn regarding which models appear to be most appropriate in the parameter ranges investigated.