We propose a new way for evaluating the performance of packet switching communication networks under a fixed (session based) routing strategy. Our approach is based on properly bounding the probability distribution functions of the system input processes. The bounds we suggest, which are decaying exponentials, possess three convenient properties: When the inputs to an isolated network element are all bounded, they result in bounded outputs, and assure that the delays and queues in this element have exponentially decaying distributions; In some network settings bounded inputs result in bounded outputs; Natural traffic processes can be shown to satisfy such bounds. Consequently, our method enables the analysis of various previously intractable setups. We provide sufficient conditions for the stability of such networks, and derive upper bounds for the interesting parameters of network performance. 1 Introduction In this paper we consider data communication networks, and the problem of ev...

This paper describes a framework for admission control for a packet-based network where the decisions are taken by edge devices or end-systems, rather than resources within the network. The decisions are based on the results of probe packets that the end-systems send through the network, and require only that resources apply a mark to packets in a way that is load dependent. One application example is the Internet, where marking information is fed back via an ECN bit, and we show howthis approach allows a rich QoS framework for ows or streams. Our approach allows networks to be explicitly analysed, and consequently engineered.

We present a capacity-approaching coding scheme for unicast or multicast over lossy packet networks. In the scheme, all nodes perform coding, but do not wait for a full block of packets to be received before sending out coded packets. Rather, whenever they have a transmission opportunity, they form coded packets with random linear combinations of previously received packets. All coding and decoding operations in the scheme have polynomial complexity. Our analysis of the scheme shows that it is not only capacity-approaching, but that the propagation of packets carrying “innovative ” information follows that of a queueing network where every node acts as a stable M/M/1 queue. We consider networks with both lossy point-to-point and broadcast links, allowing us to model both wireline and wireless packet networks. 1

Abstract — We consider the throughput/delay tradeoffs for scheduling data transmissions in a mobile ad-hoc network. To reduce delays in the network, each user sends redundant packets along multiple paths to the destination. Assuming the network has a cell partitioned structure and users move according to a simplified independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) mobility model, we compute the exact network capacity and the exact endto-end queueing delay when no redundancy is used. The capacity achieving algorithm is a modified version of the Grossglauser-Tse 2-hop relay algorithm and provides O(N) delay (where N is the number of users). We then show that redundancy cannot increase capacity, but can significantly improve delay. The following necessary tradeoff is established: delay/rate ≥ O(N). Two protocols that use redundancy and operate near the boundary of this curve are developed, with delays of O ( √ N) and O(log(N)), respectively. Networks with non-i.i.d. mobility are also considered and shown through simulation to closely match the performance of i.i.d. systems in the O ( √ N) delay regime. Index Terms — fundamental limits, queueing analysis, stochastic systems, wireless networks I.

Abstract. The existence of Nash equilibria in noncooperative flow control in a general productform network shared by K users is investigated. The performance objective of each user is to maximize its average throughput subject to an upper bound on its average time-delay. Previous attempts to study existence of equilibria for this flow control model were not successful, partly because the time-delay constraints couple the strategy spaces of the individual users in a way that does not allow the application of standard equilibrmm existence theorems from the game theory literature. To overcome this difficulty, a more general approach to study the existence of Nash equilibria for decentralized control schemes is introduced. This approach is based on directly proving the existence of a fixed point of the best reply correspondence of the underlying game. For the investigated flow control model, the best reply correspondence is shown to be a function, implicitly defined by means of K interdependent linear programs. Employing an appropriate definition for continuity of the set of optimal solutions of parametrized linear programs, it is shown that, under appropriate conditions, the best reply function is continuous. Brouwer’s theorem implies, then, that the best reply function has a fixed point.

We consider packet routing when packets are injected continuously into a network. We develop an adversarial theory of queuing aimed at addressing some of the restrictions inherent in probabilistic analysis and queuing theory based on time-invariant stochastic generation. We examine the stability of queuing networks and policies when the arrival process is adversarial, and provide some preliminary results in this direction. Our approach sheds light on various queuing policies in simple networks, and paves the way for a systematic study of queuing with few or no probabilistic assumptions.

Except for the class of queueing networks and scheduling policies admitting a product form solution for the steady--state distribution, little is known about the performance of such systems. For example, if the priority of a part depends on its class (e.g., the buffer that the part is located in), then there are no existing results on performance, or even stability. However, in most applications such as manufacturing systems, one has to choose a control or scheduling policy, i.e., a priority discipline, that optimizes a performance objective. In this paper we introduce a new technique for obtaining upper and lower bounds on the performance of Markovian queueing networks and scheduling policies. Assuming stability, and examining the consequence of a steady--state for general quadratic forms, we obtain a set of linear equality constraints on the mean values of certain random variables that determine the performance of the system. Further, the conservation of time and material gives an au...

In this paper, it is shown that a certain class of Petri nets called event graphs can be represented as linear "time-invariant" finite-dimensional systems using some particular algebras. This sets the ground on which a theory of these systems can be developped in a manner which is very analogous to that of conventional linear system theory. Part 2 of the paper is devoted to showing some preliminary basic developments in that direction. Indeed, there are several ways in which one can consider event graphs as linear systems: these ways correspond to approaches in the time domain, in the event domain and in a two-dimensional domain. In each of these approaches, a di#erent algebra has to be used for models to remain linear. However, the common feature of these algebras is that they all fall into the axiomatic definition of "dioids". Therefore, Part 1 of the paper is devoted to a unified presentation of basic algebraic results on dioids. 1 Introduction Definitions and examples of Discrete ...

It is well known that simple randomized load balancing schemes can balance load effectively while incurring only a small overhead, making such schemes appealing for practical systems. In this paper, we provide new analyses for several such dynamic randomized load balancing schemes. Our work extends a previous analysis of the supermarket model, a model that abstracts a simple, efficient load balancing scheme in the setting where jobs arrive at a large system of parallel processors. In this model, customers arrive at a system of n servers as a Poisson stream of rate #n, # < 1, with service requirements exponentially distributed with mean 1. Each customer chooses d servers independently and uniformly at random from the n servers, and is served according to the First In First Out (FIFO) protocol at the choice with the fewest customers. For the supermarket model, it has been shown that using d = 2 choices yields an exponential improvement in the expected time a customer spends in the syst...

We consider the problems of performance analysis and stability/instability determination of queueing networks and scheduling policies. We exhibit a strong duality relationship between the performance of a system, and its stability analysis via mean drift. We obtain a variety of linear programs to conduct such stability and performance analyses. A certain LP, called the Performance LP, bounds the performance of all stationary non--idling scheduling policies. If it is bounded, then its dual, called the Drift LP, has a feasible solution, which is a copositive matrix. The quadratic form associated with this copositive matrix has a negative drift, allowing us to conclude that all stationary nonidling scheduling policies are stable in the very strong sense of having a geometrically converging exponential moment. Some systems satisfy an auxiliary set of linear constraints. Examples are systems operating under some special scheduling policies such as buffer priority policies, or systems incorp...