Framework with Scalable Error Control for Reliable Multipoint Services in ATM Networks.
Georg Carle · 1995
Distributed multimedia applications, as well as advanced applications for computer-supported cooperative work and distributed computing, depend on efficient communication subsystems providing a variety of services. This paper presents a novel framework for support of multipoint communication in ATM networks. Two adaptation layer protocols are presented that provide reliable multicast services. The first one, called RLMCP (Reliable Lightweight Multicast Protocol), uses a frame-based ARQ-scheme. The second one, called RMCAAL (Reliable Multicast ATM Adaptation Layer), features cell-based ARQ in combination with FEC. A new network element, called the Group Communication Server (GCS), is presented for implementing the adaptation layer protocols in network nodes. It allows for hierarchical multicast error control and support of heterogeneous scenarios. The framework permits to select the combination of error control mechanisms most suitable for the application requirements in a specific communication scenario. The functionality of end systems and group communication server are described, and a basic implementation architecture is presented. The scalability properties of the different error control schemes is analysed, identifying the influence of group size, cell loss rate and path capacity.