Congestion control and prevention in ATM networks

Some of the congestion control methods commonly considered suitable for an ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) network are surveyed. Call-level control, which provides preventive control by regulating the admission of new calls into the network, is first discussed. The concept of equivalent bandwidth is defined, and the sharing of network information is discussed. Admission control schemes are described. Methods for cell-level control, which avoids short term congestion, are considered. Included are call admittance, bandwidth policing, and rate control, as well as priority schemes that provide multiple grades of service with ATM.<>