Self-similar(“fractal”) traffic in ATM networks

Abstract

Recent studies of high quality, high resolution traffic measurements in Bellcore Ethernets have revealed that this aggregate Ethernet traffic is self-similar (“fractal”) in nature, quite different in “burstiness” features from traffic considered and studied up to now. Similar results were obtained in analysing VBR video traffic masurements. As ATM high-speed, cell-relay networks will most likely first make their impact as backbones interconnecting enterprise networks consisting of Ethernet and other LANs, their proper design and control is crucial. Thus far these networks have been studied under traffic assumptions that may not prove any more valid. This paper presents an analytical model for the study of an ATM buffer driven with (asymptotically) self-similar traffic.