On network bandwidth allocation policies and feedback control algorithms for packet networks

This paper summarizes our experience on the design of network bandwidth allocation policies and distributed rate calculation algorithms for packet-switched networks. In particular, we discuss two rate allocation policies: the generalized max-min (GMM) and the weight-proportional max-min (WPMM) policies, both of which generalize the classical max-min rate allocation policy. For the design of distributed algorithms to achieve these two rate allocation policies, we focus on rate-based distributed flow control where special control packets are employed to achieve the information exchange between a source and the network. We categorize two broad classes of distributed rate calculation algorithms in the literature using live algorithms as illustrations. To give insight, we compare the design tradeoffs between these two classes of algorithms in terms of performance objectives and implementation complexities. Furthermore, we discuss important extensions within each class of algorithms.