Integration of optimal routing and flow control in ATM networks

An integrated approach to routing and flow control in ATM networks is proposed. Traditionally, routing and flow control are carried out relatively independently of each other, however, in the reported approach they are integrated and are strongly coupled in the sense that routing is done according to information obtained by the optimal flow control protocol. The flow control protocol NOBEL is extended to include the routing function. The resulting protocol is computationally attractive and results in improved network performance.