Impact of misbehaving users and the role of policers in ABR service

Abstract

A closed loop rate based feedback control to support ABR service has been defined. In this approach the network at periodic intervals informs all transmitting sources the maximum rate at which the sources are allowed to transmit. For the scheme to be successful in that the network utilization is high and fairness is ensured for all competing users, it is imperative that all sources conform to the maximum rate at which they are allowed to transmit. To ensure the goals of ABR service are satisfied, especially in public networks, it is essential to police sources and penalize violating sources when deemed necessary. In this paper we investigate the effect of misbehaving or violating users on the network performance and the effectiveness of policing such sources. We investigate 3 policing mechanisms in terms of their effectiveness in maintaining a high utilization and ensuring fairness among all competing users. The study shows that simple policing mechanisms are sufficient to protect the network from violating or misbehaving users.