A lossless, minimal latency protocol for gigabit ATM networks

Abstract

Advances in ber-optic and VLSI technology have led to the emergence of very high-speed networks based on Asynchronous Transfer Mode ATM. The time required t o t r ansmit the data into the network at the source is small compared to the delay to propagate the data from source to destination. Cell loss is also a major concern in ATM networks because waiting for the retransmission of lost cells delays the delivery of cells and requires substantial bu er space. The Instant Start protocol eliminates the costly bandwidth reservation delay before t r ansmission can begin. Simultaneously, it provides lossless transmission even when the network cannot handle the o ered r ate of transmission. Unlike other lossless protocols, Instant Start requires relatively little special control hardware o r p r ocessing at each switch.