Traffic clustering rules in ATM networks

Traffic integration versus traffic segmentation is studied in this paper with reference to an ATM environment. ATM constitutes a common physical platform to flexibly implement both segregated and dedicated networks exploiting the VC-VP switching features. While network integration is expected to provide significant economical and operational advantages, integrated networks do not necessarily involve traffic integration. Traffic integration, in an heterogeneous environment, where traffics are characterized by qualitatively or quantitatively different descriptors and service requirements, can be adopted under the condition that an effective resource exploitation is obtained, though q.o.s. performances and network controllability in various operational conditions are guaranteed. The determination of suitable models and rules to optimize traffic integration/segregation has therefore an important role in an ATM environment. The complexity of the problem is mainly due to the complexity of traffic in ATM networks and to the complexity of evaluating the impact of the integration on network control and management. In the paper preliminary indications for service clustering are proposed based on multi-rate and ATM traffic models