The principal investigators (PI) will develop a performance methodology for the access and transport levels of broadband networks. They will consider Synchronous Transfer Mode (STM) and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks. STM is multirate circuit switching over high-speed links. The PIs will develop mathematical tools that parallel and improve on the performance methodology for classical single-rate circuit switching. In particular, they will explore algorithms to determine exact and approximate blocking probabilities. In an ATM network, all information streams are packetized and integrated over common transmission links and switches. The researchers will consider performance issues related to resource management, admission control, and routing.
