Bounded control of multiple-delay systems with applications to ATM networks

Congestion control in the available bit rate (ABR) class of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks poses interesting challenges due to the presence of multiple-delays, magnitude and rate constraints on the inputs and additive disturbances. We consider a fixed-structure controller for an ATM/ABR network, and solve a robust tracking control problem in which the target is a threshold on the queue level

Bandwith allocation and scheduling in photonic networks

This thesis describes a framework for bandwidth allocation and scheduling in the Agile All-Photonic Network (AAPN). This framework is also applicable to any single-hop communication network with significant signalling delay (such as satellite-TDMA systems). Slot-by-slot scheduling approaches do not provide adequate performance for wide-area networks, so we focus on frame-based scheduling. We propose three novel fixed-length frame scheduling algorithms (Minimum Cost Search, Fair Matching and Minimum Rejection) and a feedback control system for stabilization.MCS is a greedy algorithm, which allocates time-slots sequentially using a cost function. This function is defined such that the time-slots with higher blocking probability are assigned first. MCS does not guarantee 100% throughput, thought it has a low blocking percentage. Our optimum scheduling approach is based on modifying the demand matrix such that the network resources are fully utilized, while the requests are optimally served. The Fair Matching Algorithm (FMA) uses the weighted max-min fairness criterion to achieve a fair share of resources amongst the connections in the network. When rejection is inevitable, FMA selects rejections such that the maximum percentage rejection experienced in the network is minimized. In another approach we formulate the rejection task as an optimization problem and propose the Minimum Rejection Algorithm (MRA), which minimizes total rejection. The minimum rejection problem is a special case of maximum flow problem. Due to the complexity of the algorithms that solve the max-flow problem we propose a heuristic algorithm with lower complexity.Scheduling in wide-area networks must be based on predictions of traffic demand and the resultant errors can lead to instability and unfairness. We design a feedback control system based on Smith's principle, which removes the destabilizing delays from the feedback loop by using a "loop cancelation" technique. The feedback control system we propose reduces the effect of prediction errors, increasing the speed of the response to sudden changes in traffic arrival rates and improving the fairness in the network through equalization of queue-lengths

Design and stability analysis of high performance packet switches

With the rapid development of optical interconnection technology, high-performance packet switches are required to resolve contentions in a fast manner to satisfy the demand for high throughput and high speed rates. Combined input-crosspoint buffered (CICB) switches are an alternative to input-buffered (IB) packet switches to provide high-performance switching and to relax arbitration timing for packet switches with high-speed ports. A maximum weight matching (MWM) scheme can provide 100% throughput under admissible traffic for lB switches. However, the high complexity of MWM prohibits its implementation in high-speed switches. In this dissertation, a feedback-based arbitration scheme for CICB switches is studied, where cell selection is based on the provided service to virtual output queues (VOQs). The feedback-based scheme is named round-robin with adaptable frame size (RR-AF) arbitration. The frame size in RR-AF is adaptably changed by the serviced and unserviced traffic. If a switch is stable, the switch provides 100% throughput. Here, it is proved that RR-AF can achieve 100% throughput under uniform admissible traffic. Switches with crosspoint buffers need to consider the transmission delays, or round-trip times to define the crosspoint buffer size. As the buffered crossbar switch can be physically located far from the input ports, actual round-trip times can be non-negligible. To support non-negligible round-trip times in a buffered crossbar switch, the crosspoint buffer size needs to be increased. To satisfy this demand, this dissertation investigates how to select the crosspoint buffer size under non-negligible round trip times and under uniform traffic. With the analysis of stability margin, the relationship between the crosspoint buffer size and round-trip time is derived. Considering that CICB switches deliver higher performance than lB switches and require no speedup, this dissertation investigates the maximum throughput performance that these switches can achieve. It is shown that CICB switches without speedup achieve 100% throughput under any admissible traffic through a fluid model. In addition, a new hybrid scheme, based on longest queue-first (as input arbitration) and longest column occupancy first (as output arbitration) is proposed, which achieves 100% throughput under uniform and non-uniform traffic patterns. In order to give a better insight of the feedback nature of arbitration scheme for CICB switches, a frame-based round-robin arbitration scheme with explicit feedback control (FRE) is introduced. FRE dynamically sets the frame size according to the input load and to the accumulation of cells in a VOQ. FRE is used as the input arbitration scheme and it is combined with RR, PRR, and FRE as output arbitration schemes. These combined schemes deliver high performance under uniform and nonuniform traffic models using a buffered crossbar with one-cell crosspoint buffers. The novelty of FRE lies in that each VOQ sets the frame size by an adjustable parameter, Δ(i,j) which indicates the degree of service needed by VOQ(i, j). This value is adjusted according to the input loading and the accumulation of cells experienced in previous service cycles. This dissertation also explores an analysis technique based on feedback control theory. This methodology is proposed to study the stability of arbitration and matching schemes for packet switches. A continuous system is used and a control model is used to emulate a queuing system. The technique is applied to a matching scheme. In addition, the study shows that the dwell time, which is defined as the time a queue receives service in a service opportunity, is a factor that affects the stability of a queuing system. This feedback control model is an alternative approach to evaluate the stability of arbitration and matching schemes

STRUGGLES OVER URBAN SUSTAINABILITY IN SASKATOON & EDMONTON: THE USE OF POLICY NARRATIVES BY ADVOCACY COALITIONS

The Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) is one of the most well-established and widely-applied theories of the policy process. However, it is rarely applied to policy making at the municipal level. Here, a first step towards filling this research gap is made by applying the ACF to two Canadian cities, Saskatoon and Edmonton, and by looking for the role of stories in cementing sustainability coalitions together. Examining municipal sustainability coalitions provides an opportunity to address a second gap in the literature. The positive role this order of government can play in improving environmental sustainability is increasingly recognized, but the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of sustainability are as contested as ever. By codifying two poles on the spectrum of sustainability definitions and looking for these polar opposites in the beliefs and actions of policy makers, this study uncovers significant difference between academic and practitioner understandings of sustainability. The study finds evidence for the existence of nascent rather than mature coalitions in both cities. Nascent coalitions are groups whose members share common beliefs about sustainability, but only engage in soft coordination in pursuit of their policy objectives. In addition, the range of actors consistently involved in policy making is notably limited and the absence of mature coalitions in each city may be attributed both to the lack of umbrella organizations working to develop shared problem frames and to an aversion among municipal actors for conflict over policy options. In the absence of strong coordination by coalitions, stories play a critical role in municipal policy debates, specifically by identifying the victims, villains, and heroes of various policy options, thus biasing action or inaction as the ‘correct’ policy choice. Finally, we find that firm academic definitions of sustainability are not reflected in how policy actors in either city understand sustainability. Instead, individual policy makers express beliefs from each pole on the spectrum, possibly because of the necessity of pragmatism in municipal policy making

Urban Public Transport Futures: Broadening the Policy Debate

The Fourth International Conference on Competition and Ownership in Land Passenger Transporti, held 10-12 July 1995 in Rotorua, New Zealand, provided a forum for presentation and debate on the latest developments in the provision of land-based public transport. Over 120 participants from around the world gathered over 4 days in 5 workshops and 3 plenary sessions. The workshops were 1: Competitive models and impacts, 2: User requirements, 3. Rail sector issues, 4: Regulatory reform and transport policy development, and 5: International experiences in competitive operationsii. The opening address and workshop reports presented herein enable a wider audience to benefit from the outcomes of the deliberations

Mathematical programming algorithms for equilibrium road traffic assignment

The equilibrium approach to representing interactions between the supply and demand sides of traffic assignment has been used widely in the estimation of traffic flows on road networks. Although this approach is quite reasonable, there is a considerable gap between the observed and modelled values of cost and flow. This gap can be reduced by relaxing some of the restrictive assumptions behind the models used in order to enhance their realism. This study investigates the solutions of various advanced road traffic assignment models. Priority and signal controlled junctions are modelled in traffic assignment in order to enhance the realism of junction analysis. A multiclass assignment is modelled to represent different groups of users. These problems are known to be non-separable because traffic cannot be segmented in such a way that the costs incurred by any one segment vary only with the flow within that segment. Existence, uniqueness and stability properties of solutions to these problems are investigated. These analyses are important to know the reliability and repeatability of any solutions that are calculated. Analyses of these properties lead to some guidelines for using these detailed models. A number of new solution algorithms are developed to solve the resulting traffic assignment problems. These algorithms belong to the general category of simplicial decomposition which solves the problem by dividing it into two subproblems: a linear and a master subproblem which are solved alternately. One of the advantages of these algorithms is that they operate in a lower dimensional space than that of original feasible region and hence allow large-scale problems to be solved with improved accuracy and speed of convergence. These improved algorithms give many choices to the traffic management studies. Two substantial networks have been used to compare the performance of new algorithms on the various models developed. They have performed favourably by comparison with existing algorithms. A small example network has been used to investigate existence, uniqueness and stability properties using the models. In a priority controlled model, a unique stable solution has been obtained using the model whilst in a signal controlled model, multiple and unstable solutions have been obtained. In a multiclass model, a unique solution has been obtained in terms of the total class flow whilst multiple solutions have been obtained in terms of each class flow. These results correspond well to the theoretical analyses of these models, which has shown to have indeterminate behaviour and by the nature of these models assumed, the degree of non-separability is ordered according to priority controlled, multiclass and signal controlled models

Improved congestion control for packet switched data networks and the Internet

Congestion control is one of the fundamental issues in computer networks. Without proper congestion control mechanisms there is the possibility of inefficient utilization of resources, ultimately leading to network collapse. Hence congestion control is an effort to adapt the performance of a network to changes in the traffic load without adversely affecting users perceived utilities. This thesis is a step in the direction of improved network congestion control. Traditionally the Internet has adopted a best effort policy while relying on an end-to-end mechanism. Complex functions are implemented by end users, keeping the core routers of network simple and scalable. This policy also helps in updating the software at the users' end. Thus, currently most of the functionality of the current Internet lie within the end users' protocols, particularly within Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). This strategy has worked fine to date, but networks have evolved and the traffic volume has increased many fold; hence routers need to be involved in controlling traffic, particularly during periods of congestion. Other benefits of using routers to control the flow of traffic would be facilitating the introduction of differentiated services or offering different qualities of service to different users. Any real congestion episode due to demand of greater than available bandwidth, or congestion created on a particular target host by computer viruses, will hamper the smooth execution of the offered network services. Thus, the role of congestion control mechanisms in modern computer networks is very crucial. In order to find effective solutions to congestion control, in this thesis we use feedback control system models of computer networks. The closed loop formed by TCPIIP between the end hosts, through intermediate routers, relies on implicit feedback of congestion information through returning acknowledgements. This feedback information about the congestion state of the network can be in the form of lost packets, changes in round trip time and rate of arrival of acknowledgements. Thus, end hosts can either execute reactive or proactive congestion control mechanisms. The former approach uses duplicate acknowledgements and timeouts as congestion signals, as done in TCP Reno, whereas the latter approach depends on changes in the round trip time, as in TCP Vegas. The protocols employing the second approach are still in their infancy as they cannot co-exist safely with protocols employing the first approach. Whereas TCP Reno and its mutations, such as TCP Sack, are presently widely used in computer networks, including the current Internet. These protocols require packet losses to happen before they can detect congestion, thus inherently leading to wastage of time and network bandwidth. Active Queue Management (AQM) is an alternative approach which provides congestion feedback from routers to end users. It makes a network to behave as a sensitive closed loop feedback control system, with a response time of one round trip time, congestion information being delivered to the end host to reduce data sending rates before actual packets losses happen. From this congestion information, end hosts can reduce their congestion window size, thus pumping fewer packets into a congested network until the congestion period is over and routers stop sending congestion signals. Keeping both approaches in view, we have adopted a two-pronged strategy to address the problem of congestion control. They are to adapt the network at its edges as well as its core routers. We begin by introducing TCPIIP based computer networks and defining the congestion control problem. Next we look at different proactive end-to-end protocols, including TCP Vegas due to its better fairness properties. We address the incompatibility problem between TCP Vegas and TCP Reno by using ECN based on Random Early Detection (RED) algorithm to adjust parameters of TCP Vegas. Further, we develop two alternative algorithms, namely optimal minimum variance and generalized optimal minimum variance, for fair end-to-end protocols. The relationship between (p, 1) proportionally fair algorithm and the generalized algorithm is investigated along with conditions for its stable operation. Noteworthy is a novel treatment of the issue of transient fairness. This represents the work done on congestion control at the edges of network. Next, we focus on router-based congestion control algorithms and start with a survey of previous work done in that direction. We select the RED algorithm for further work due to it being recommended for the implementation of AQM. First we devise a new Hybrid RED algorithm which employs instantaneous queue size along with an exponential weighted moving average queue size for making decisions about packet marking/dropping, and adjusts the average value during periods of low traffic. This algorithm improves the link utilization and packet loss rate as compared to basic RED. We further propose a control theory based Auto-tuning RED algorithm that adapts to changing traffic load. This algorithm can clamp the average queue size to a desired reference value which can be used to estimate queuing delays for Quality of Service purposes. As an alternative approach to router-based congestion control, we investigate Proportional, Proportional-Integral (PI) and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) principles based control algorithms for AQM. New control-theoretic RED and frequency response based PI and PID control algorithms are developed and their performance is compared with that of existing algorithms. Later we transform the RED and PI principle based algorithms into their adaptive versions using the well known square root of p formula. The performance of these load adaptive algorithms is compared with that of the previously developed fixed parameter algorithms. Apart from some recent research, most of the previous efforts on the design of congestion control algorithms have been heuristic. This thesis provides an effective use of control theory principles in the design of congestion control algorithms. We develop fixed-parameter-type feedback congestion control algorithms as well as their adaptive versions. All of the newly proposed algorithms are evaluated by using ns-based simulations. The thesis concludes with a number of research proposals emanating from the work reported

Integrating Bicycles into Applied Models of Urban Transport

which have substantial direct infrastructure requirements, such as road provision and public transport systems. It is unusual to pay a great deal of attention to non-motorised transport modes, such as cycling, as these are typically non-intrusive and require very limited infrastructure. However, bicycles need to be integrated into transport planning models, if only because of increasing political pressure for greater consideration of alternative and sustainable transport modes and increasing pressure to allocate resources efficiently. It is widely recognised that extensive bicycle use requires the opportunity, or facilities, to neutralise the effect of dominating motorised traffic flows. The role of transport modelling in relation to bicycles may be considered as (i) determining the current level of demand for cycling; (ii) demand for cycling that is currently suppressed by sub-standard facilities or specific obstacles to cycle trips; (iii) determining what if any additional demand could be generated by providing facilities specifically for cycling (elasticity of demand) or changing conditions for competing modes (cross elasticity); (iv) identifying what trip distribution characteristics are observed with different cycling conditions; and, (v) how increasing the level of cycle facilities and cycling would impact on network performance. In order to answer these questions it is necessary to have a modelling framework for cycling that dovetails with existing models of transport used for planning at micro and macro levels. This paper discusses such a framework