Discrete Sliding-Mode Flow Control Algorithm for Multi-Source Data Transmission Networks with Variable Delay

The paper presents a new, nonlinear flow control algorithm for multi-source communication networks, where each flow is characterized by different and time-varying delay. The proposed algorithm, based on the principles of discrete sliding-mode control, guarantees that the packet losses are eliminated and all of the available bandwidth at the controlled node is used for the data traffic. The algorithm is demonstrated to be robust with respect to the abrupt and unpredictable changes of networking conditions, understood as the delay and bandwidth variations.