Survivable ATM mesh networks: Techniques and performance evaluation

The Capacity and Flow Assignment problem in self-healing ATM networks is an interesting one from a Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) prospective since IP and ATM protocols are destined to co-exist together in this unified platform. This paper continues the investigation of the path-based design approach of the network survivability problem in existing ATM mesh networks. Our contribution consists in quantifying (1) the effects the selection of candidate paths per node pair has on the restoration ratio, (2) the effect of restoration schemes on the restoration ratio, (3) the effect of failure scenarios on the restoration ratio, and finally (4) the effect of network connectivity on the restoration ratio. Numerical results are presented under representative network topologies, various traffic demands and spare capacity distribution schemes. They provide additional guidelines for the design of survivable ATM mesh-type networks, from a network reliability viewpoint.