Effective Bandwidth of Self-similar Traffic Sources: Theoretical and Simulation Results

This paper studies the eeective bandwidth required when multiple self-similar (i.e., long range dependent) traac sources are multiplexed together in a network. In particular, an ATM network simulation tool is used to assess the accuracy of a theoretical effective bandwidth formula developed by Ilkka Norros for self-similar traac. Synthetic traac models with con-trollable workload parameters are used in the study, using a one-factor-at-a-time experimental design. In general, the simulation results show good qualitative and quantitative agreement between the eeective bandwidths predicted by the formula and by the ATM network simulator, provided that the number of mul-tiplexed sources and the switch buuer size are not too small. Where the results are in good agreement, the formula tends to err on the \safe side", thus making the theoretical formula useful for call admission control and network dimensioning in an ATM network.