In this paper, we study the link capacity assignment problem in packet-switched networks (CA problem) focusing on the case where link cost function is a piecewise linear concave function. This type of cost function arises in many communication network design problems such as those arising from developments in communication transmission technologies. It is already known that the method of link set assignment is applicable for solving the CA problem with piecewise linear convex cost function. That is, each link in the network is assigned to one of a group of specific sets, and checked for link set contradiction. By extending the method of link set assignment to the case of piecewise linear concave cost function, an important characteristic of the optimal solution of the CA problem is derived. Based on this characteristic, the non-differentiable link cost function can be treated as a differentiable function, and a heuristic algorithm derived from the Lagrange multiplier method is then proposed. Although it is difficult to determine the global optimum of the CA problem due to its non-convexity, it is shown by numerical results that the solution obtained from the proposed algorithm is very close to the global optimum. Moreover, the computation time is linearly dependent on the number of links in the problem. These performances show that the proposed algorithm is very efficient in solving the CA problem, even in the case of large-scale networks.

A Time-Division Multiplexed (TDM) Hierarchical Switching System (HSS), proposed by Eng and Acampora [5], provides any size of bandwidth for a number of subscribers by allocating proper number of time-slots in a frame. In this paper, we present a binary time-slot assignment (TSA) algorithm by which a proper size of time-slots in the frame are allocated to each subscriber so as to meet its bandwidth requests. The time complexity of the proposed algorithm is O(NLlog2 L) in which N is the number of input/output links of the central switch and L is the number of time-slots allotted to each link in the frame. As the authors know, the most efficient algorithm proposed in the literature has time complexity of O(min(L, M2)min(N, M)M2), in which M is the number of subscribers that is larger than N in TDM/HSS system. To give a clear idea of relative efficiency between two algorithms, let us give a typical situation of M = L = O(N2). In this configuration our algorithm makes a significant improvement in time complexity by the order of O(M2/log2M).

The Guaranteed Bandwidth Protocol (GBW) is an access scheme being proposed for implementation of connection oriented services in DQDB networks. Connection oriented services are expected to handle both constant bit rate (CBR) and variable bit rate (VBR) traffic that have delay and jitter constraints. It has been reported that the GBW protocol can provide guaranteed bandwidth and lower delays compared to the ordinary DQDB protocol. However, the intensity of the jitter introduced by this scheme has not been made clear. This paper compares the jitter results for the GBW scheme to those obtained by a new access method called Modified Guaranteed Bandwidth (MOD_GBW) protocol, which is proposed here. It is shown through simulation that MOD_GBW also provides guaranteed bandwidth and that its delay and jitter characteristics are significantly better than those of the GBW protocol. In the simulation model, the DQDB stations are divided into two groups: 1)Real-Time (RT) stations that generate either CBR or VBR real-time traffic; and 2)Data stations that generate memoryless type of traffic. Data stations operate according to the ordinary DQDB protocol only. The main performance measure adopted here for the real-time traffic is the interdeparture time distribution of consecutive segments from an RT-station. We define the variance of this distribution as jitter. This paper also shows the impact of GBW/MOD_GBW on the performance of the data stations by evaluating their throughput and average bus access delay. Finally, we show that the network performance is weakly related to the number of RT-stations under MOD_GBW, but it depends strongly on the overall loading.

The evolution of access networks towards Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) receives much attention throughout the world because FTTH has a big potential for providing future attractive services. To provide such services in terms of transmission rate, the cable network transition scenario from conventional copper cable network to optical fiber cable one in access field should be clarified. Since network transition scenario deeply depends on the service evolution scenarios (what type of service would appear at a certain time and how many customers move to the other services, for example), this paper firstly categorizes telecommunication services into four kinds of services, i.e. Basic Service (e.g. POTS), Narrowband Symmetrical Service (e.g. NISDN), Broadband Asymmetrical Services (e.g. Video-On-Demand) and Broadband Symmetrical Services (e.g. BISDN) in terms of up-and down-stream transmission rates. Based on this service categorization, it is proposed to formalize service evolution scenarios by a transition pattern of the initial demands and the penetration rates of these services. Then, the evaluation method of network transition scenarios is also proposed in terms of NPV by the service evolution scenarios. It is conclude that the network transition scenarios are deeply related to the amount and behavior of the demands moving to the other services as follows.-The scenario where the new system configuration partly replaces the old one whenever the demands appear for providing higher transmission rate services is applicable, when the demands move little or constantly move to the higher transmission rate services,-The scenario where the new system configuration totally replaces the old one at the early stage for providing all services is applicable, when the demands drastically move to the higher transmission rate services during short period.

In this paper, a feasible optical code-division multiple-access (CDMA) technique is proposed for high-speed computer networks using prime codes and optical signal processing to guarantee real-time data communications. All-optical architectures for fastly tunable CDMA encoders and decoders are presented, which can be feasibly implemented in the optical domain by using electrooptic switches and optical delay lines. This can support an ultrahigh throughput and a very fast reconfiguration time. Furthermore, we present a self-synchronized sample technique to ensure the correct phase synchronization between optical clock stream and asynchronous electronic data at each electrooptic modulator of an optical CDMA transmitter.

We study the capacity assignment and routing procedure for a simultaneous multipoint-to-point communication network called convergence cast communication (con-cast). In capacity assignment, we analyse the network in two different application model, single destination and variable destination concast group. In each model, we determine the optimal capacity and network configuration. In routing procedure, since the problem is computationally intractable[1], [2], we present a heuristic algorithm that, under condition of the capacity constraint, selects a set of connections for n-1 separated points to one point. This is accomplished by considering a hierarchical structure and a flow decomposition technique in the network. The algorithm finds a solution for connection assignment in convergence-type communications. Theoretical analysis and computer simulation of the proposed method are given.

In this paper, we formulate and solve a discrete-time queueing problem that has two potential applications: ATM multiplexers and DQDB networks. We first consider the modeling of an ATM multiplexer. The object of the analysis is a periodic traffic stream (CBR traffic), which is one of the inputs to the multiplexer. As in previous works of the subject, we consider a memoryless background traffic input. Here, in addition to this background traffic, we take into account the influence of a high-priority traffic, which is time-correlated and requires expedited service. We analyze the influence of these two types of traffic on the statistics of the interdeparture time (jitter process) and the delay of the periodic traffic stream. We obtain their distributions in a form of z-transforms, and from these we derive closed form expressions for the average delay and the variance of the interdeparture time. Our results show that the delay and jitter are very sensitive to the burstiness of the high priority traffic arrival process. We next apply our analytical modeling to a DQDB network when some of its stations are driven by CBR sources. We can obtain interesting results concerning the influence of the physical location of a DQDB station on the jitter.

This paper proposes a protocol verification tool where protocols are described in an extended Petri net and Horn clauses. The extended net model contributes to reduce state space in verification with hierarchical description. The model also includes timed and colored net. Horn clause enables protocol designers to grasp a protocol by the declarative semantics. They can describe non critical but mandatory portion of a protocol like error processing or abortion with Horn clauses. Protocols are verified through simulation. Protocol verification includes two methods, all-in-one and hierarchical methods. By the all-in-one method all description is translated into Prolong clause and simulated exhaustively, whereas by the hierarchical verification, simulation begins with the lowest layer and deduces sufficient conditions that give liveness and safeness of the net model. Then the layer is replaced by a simpler net model that is incorporated into the higher layer. The scheme is applied to an illustrative example of the Alternating Bit protocol to discuss its effectiveness.

Currently there is considerable world-wide speculation regarding the introduction of optical fiber cable into access networks, because optical fiber has a big potential for providing attractive multimedia services. Since optical fiber cable can provide a variety of grade of services, high-reliability of cable networks would be required compared with the conventional copper cable networks. To develop multimedia telecommunication networks as an infrastructure, it is urgent to clarify the highly reliable optical fiber cable network architecture. Since cable network architecture deeply depends on regional conditions such as demand, area size, duct layer networks (consisting of ducts, manholes, tunnels, feeder points etc.), it is necessary to develop a cable network designing tool with user-friendly interfaces for efficiently evaluating cable network architectures. This paper firstly proposes the heuristic algorithms enhanced by the disjoint-shortest-path and the depth-first-search methods that would be applicable for real access networks. Secondly, the design method of highly reliable optical fiber cable network based on the heuristic algorithms in terms of network cost and unavailability caused by cable breakdown is proposed. It can design the combination of star- and loop-shaped (where two diversified routes exist between a feeder point and central office) cable network. Furthermore, comparison with the conventional design method which simply applies star- or loop-shaped cable network is done in terms of economy and reliability on real access networks in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It is concluded that the proposed method can reduce the network cost further and realize a short unavailability value compared with the conventional method.

When communication network planning-design is performed, especially in a short-term case, it is important to utilize existing facilities in the construction of the new network. In this paper, link capacity assignment problem (CA problem) for packet-switched networks is investigated with the consideration of the existing network. To deal with this, per-unit cost of existing link capacity is thought to be less than that of newly installed capacity and a link cost function is modeled by a non-linear, non-differentiable one which is composed of two portions of capacity cost. After formulating the CA problem, two optimum algorithms derived from Lagrange multiplier method are presented and a modified algorithm is used for solving the CA problem in order to reduce the computation time. Some numerical results show that according to the values of link traffic flows, there will be links whose capacities must be set equally to the existing values. Moreover, when link cost difference is introduced in the CA problem, the number of links that the capacities of which have to be changed from existing values is less than that of linear cost function case, i.e., the case without consideration of the cost difference in link capacity.

Managed Objects (MOs) can be specified by the combination of a static information model and a dynamic process model. First, this paper presents a mapping of attributes from a process model diagram to an information model diagram. Then, it introduces a concept of topology into these two models and proposes a hypothesis about the relationship of topology in these two models. To explicitly explain the hypothesis, it can be stated that all attributes of incoming or outgoing data related to a process in a process model are mapped to an information model where these attributes are interconnected by an explicit relationship which corresponds to a specific meaning, such as physical containment or logical connection. From an intuitive perspective, it can be said that if two attributes have a close topological relationship in a process model, the mapped attributes also have a close topological relationship in an information model. This hypothesis provides clues for determining whether there is an error in an attribute either in the process model or in the information model. By examining the way attributes of incoming or outgoing data related to a process are mapped to an information model, we can detect whether there is an error with respect to the process. The error correction is performed with the assistance of probability analysis. The method of error detection and correction can be implemented in a computer aided tool. Then, error detection on the attribute level becomes automatic, and error correction on the attribute level becomes interactive through the computer aided tool. Finally, the validity of the hypothesis is confirmed by analyzing ITU-T Recommendation M.3100. The specification of the fabric object class defined in M.3 100 is transformed into these two models and the hypothesis is validated for the analysis of the mapping between these two models.

In this paper, we propose the architecture of BALANCE (Better Adaptive Load-balancing through Acquiring kNowledge of Characteristic of an Environment) in which users can submit their jobs without acquiring either a status of an environment or characteristics of jobs and servers even in a widely connected heterogeneous network. The architecture of BALANCE includes three types of information bases and two types of daemons. Information bases, namely job, resource, and environment information base, manage the knowledge of job characteristics, available resources for CPUs, and status of the environment, respectively, as a proxy for users. The dispatching daemon selects an adequate server for each job using knowledge stored in the information bases. A service daemon executes each job. On completing each job, a service daemon gets a statistic of the job and returns it to the dispatching daemon where the job came from so that the statistic will be available at the next dispatching time. BALANCE enables an environment (1) to balance the load, (2) to share software functions as well as hardware facilities, and (3) to learn a user's job characteristics. We have implemented a prototype with more than 50 heterogeneous UNIX workstations connected by different networks. Two simple experiments on this prototype are presented. These experiments show a load balancing scheme that takes the characteristics of each job into account.

With the arrival of B-ISDN, widespread usage of multicast services such as TV broadcasting and video 900 services will increase the possibility of network congestion unless efficient multiple destination routing (MDR) algorithms are used. Current MDR algorithms using link cost based on bandwidth usage or distance to compute the minimum cost routing tree do not take into account the vast amount of information collected by intelligent network (IN) databases. In this paper, we propose a multicast routing algorithm which modifies the way the cost is calculated by using the predicted traffic statistics collected by IN databases. We also show that the traffic handling characteristics vastly improved over conventional MDR algorithms.

To provide personal, intelligent, and multimedia services through a mobile communications network, a Mobile Service Control Point (M-SCP) was developed, which performs both the location register and service control functions. The M-SCP was constructed on a common platform to allow quick introduction of new services. Software techniques to reduce the frequency of process-switching, assign the highest priority to real-time tasks, and operate a multiple-CPU structure provide faster real-time processing. This is confirmed by computer simulation and research in the field.

A new kind of optical local area network (LAN), using a demand assign wavelength division multiple access (DA-WDMA) scheme, has been proposed. The proposed LAN consists of two parts; an ordinary standardized LAN and an overlaid network using wavelength division (WD) channels. The proposed network can provide bit-rate independent communication channels on the ordinary LAN without limiting the capacities for the other channels. It also exhibits upgrade possibilities from present standardized networks. An access controller, which consists of software in addition to the ordinary LAN controller, a digital signal processor (DSP) etc., was developed for DA-WDMA control. The network node operation has been demonstrated using guided-wave acousto-optic (AO) mode converters as a tunable wavelength add-drop multiplexer (ADM).

This paper proposes a high-speed VP bandwidth control scheme for ATM networks that utilizes a distributed control mechanism. First, the characteristics of VPs are compared with those of digital paths in STM networks. A distributed control scheme is adopted for rapid control. The basic elements and the necessary distributed function, the control algorithm, and the message transmission mechanism, are elucidated. The bandwidth alteration time with the proposed algorithm is estimated by considering network element processing and queuing delay. The proposed VP bandwidth control scheme can be applied to both public networks and leased line services. Finally, this paper focuses on its application to leased line services, and discusses the resource reduction effects of the proposed scheme.

In this paper, the software structure for telecommunication user support are discussed, and it is proposed to apply knowledge processing technology to the software. Capabilities of telecommunications networks are becoming quite complicated, and the number of service items and parameters which have to be selected and memorized will become too large for telecommunications end users to make full use of the network capabilities. As such, more effort should be focused on assisting telecommunications end users to use the network and providing user friendly human interfaces of the network. However, this kind of software has additional type of requirements other than those for protocol handling software and call control software, and the realization of such support software has not yet been fully studied. To realize such support software, this paper stressed the realization of the user-system interface. Especially identified in this paper are meaning-based interpretation of user inputs to permit the handling of synonyms and multivocations, and a method to access the database in the support system without consideration of its data schema. To satisfy these objectives, this paper has proposed that the application data should be represented in both a character string and a meaning representation, and that the thesauruses should have the attribute-value relation. In line with these studies, an experimental system called CAPRIS (CAlling PRocedure Instruction System) was developed. It is used to assist the calling party in a telecommunications network to find an appropriate contact point depending on the purpose of the communication. Implementation of CAPRIS is completed and it was confirmed that all the functions described in this paper were actually realized. Some functional experiments were performed on CAPRIS, and the system was concluded to realize satisfactory user-friendliness.