Protocol Conversion in Multimedia Networks: Simulation and Algorithm

Abstract

Out of recently proposed high speed networks such as DQDB, FDDI, ATM, etc., various issues have been examined to determine the most suitable type of backbone network for multimedia networks[1]. At this point in time, evaluations are still inconclusive. As a result, different high speed networks using different protocols will co exist in an integrated multimedia network in the near future. Like the traditional heterogeneous data networks, the inter-operability among the interconnected heterogeneous high speed networks will be the key to success for integrated multimedia networks. On the other hand, unlike the traditional heterogeneous data networks, a simulation study presented in this paper shows that, due to the special characteristics (e.g., high speed and high connectivity) of these integrated multimedia networks, the traditional protocol conversion model will introduce long transmission delays and render a network system useless. Thus, in addition to the simulation study, efforts are made in this paper to modify the previously proposed Synchronizing Transition Set (STS)[2] algorithm to accommodate the high speed and high connectivity of a multimedia network. For the modified algorithm, the protocol compensation model is used instead of the traditional intermediate converter model while all the desirable strengths of the original STS approach are retained.