A new feedback consolidation algorithm for point-to-multipoint ABR service

The main problem of point-to-multipoint ABR service in an ATM network is how to consolidate feedback information from BRM cells to avoid consolidation noise while providing fast transient response. In previous studies, no known consolidation algorithm is able to achieve both requirements simultaneously. Some algorithms provide very fast transient response, but they suffer seriously from the problem of consolidation noise. Whereas the others can eliminate consolidation noise, but under certain traffic conditions they react rather slowly to traffic changes. We present a complete solution to this problem. The key of this algorithm lies in the way in which feedback information is stored at each switch, i.e. information is kept on a per-branch basis for each VC. The results show that this new consolidation algorithm completely remove consolidation noise and provides very fast transient response in both overload and underload conditions. However, the proposed algorithm adds more complexity to the switches, due to extra variables being needed.