Performance limits of the Internet and shared local access technologies for on-line education and training

We consider performance limits for the delivery of on-line education and training (OLET) over the Internet, using shared local access transmission facilities. We assume the broadband Internet will employ available bit rate (ABR) asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology to the local exchange, and that from the exchange to the home/office, the local access loop will have a limited and shared capacity. We present a study process model appropriate for OLET, from which, we deduce teletraffic demand models. We then investigate the performance limitations on such services due to the multiplexing inherent in the ATM ABR service and the shared capacity nature of the local access technologies