Realization of a Multimedia Traffic Generator Based on (μ,σ) Buffer Occupancy Analysis

Carefully selected traffic generators enable accurate simulation of integrated broad-band networks. Simulation tools are crucial in analysis of traditional as well as new protocols and algorithms designed for optimum network management in the era of high-speed integrated ATM-based networks. In this paper, we survey proposed ATM traffic models and traffic generators derived from them for the purposes of representing voice, data, and video traffic. We then compare (μ, σ) buffer occupancy levels at a statistical multiplexer due to traffic generated from various traffic generators and show that the generator based on K-superposition of identical On/Off sources (K-ON-OFF model) possesses desirable characteristics as a general multimedia traffic model. The K-ON-OFF generator has been implemented and used to represent voice, data, or video sources as well as aggregated traffic behavior.