A management system for load balancing through adaptive routing in multi-service ATM networks

Abstract

This paper proposes a hierarchical approach to the routing issue in ATM-based broadband multi-service networks. We show how distributed route selection algorithms embedded within network nodes may be managed by a TMN system, by virtue of a management service called load balancing, to increase their adaptivity to network wide conditions and therefore their effectiveness. The paper elaborates on the issues involved, presents specific algorithms and a TMN-compliant management architecture. The proposed management service influences the routing decisions by conveying network-wide information and contributes to the network load balancing by directing the routing algorithms to route traffic to the least congested network areas. Results regarding the effect of the proposed management system on the network operation are also presented.