Performance evaluation of SVC-based IP-over-ATM networks

We propose a finite-capacity single-vacation model, with close-down/setup times and a Markovian arrival process (MAP), for SVC-based IP-over-ATM networks. This model considers the SVC processing overhead and the bursty nature of IP packet arrivals. Specifically, the setup time corresponds to the SVC setup time and the vacation time corresponds to the SVC release time, while the close-down time corresponds to the SVC timeout. The MAP is a versatile point process by which typical bursty arrival processes like the IPP (interrupted Poisson process) or the MMPP (Markov modulated Poisson process) is treated as a special case. The approach we take here is the supplementary variable technique. Compared with the embedded Markov chain approach, it is more straightforward to obtain the steady-state probabilities at an arbitrary instant and the practical performance measures such as packet loss probability, packet delay time, and SVC setup rate. For the purpose of optimal design of the SVC-based IP-over-ATM networks, we also propose and derive a new performance measure called the SVC utilization ratio. Numerical results show the sensitivity of these performance measures to the SVC timeout period as well as to the burstiness of the input process.