The Maps Paradigm : Chaotic Control of Networks

In this paper we outline a control method for telecoms networks based on a new paradigm: that of chaotic control. This new method is presented within the content of ATM by way of example. However it is equally applicable to other kinds of network exhibiting self-similarity. The need for a new control method for ATM arises out of the fact that characteristics which were anticipated for ATM traffic (and packet switched traffic in general) have not been matched by real traffic measurements. The discovery of self-similar traffic has cast doubt on the ability of control methods at the call and cell level to cope with traffic that has these characteristics. This paper briefly touches on current approaches to controlling self-similar traffic in ATM networks and then suggests a new control method based on chaotic dynamics.