A PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF THE SLOTTED RING PROTOCOL FOR A VOICE DATA INTEGRATED NETWORK ENVIRONMENT

A performance analysis of the slotted ring protocol for a voice/data i ntegrated network environment is presented. At each node two types of packet generation (data and voice) are assumed and a model to provide dedicated buffers for storing each type of packet is constructed. Pack et transmission is performed according to the slotted ring protocol wi th priority given to the voice packets. In particular, an on-off model reflecting real behavior for the generation of voice packers is defin ed and finite capacities for the packet buffers are assumed to allow f or the calculation of buffer overflow probabilities. In communication systems that handle voice packets, receiving nodes are normally equipp ed with buffers for accommodating the delays in packet transmission to prevent degradation of audio quality, although excessive delays can c ause packets to expire and be discarded. This paper provides for the a nalysis of the rate at which voice packets are discarded at such nodes and discusses in detail the performance of voice packet transmission. The analysis of this model is based on the method of the equilibrium point analysis. The accuracy of these results are verified by comparin g them with the results of simulation. Furthermore, one example of an application of these findings is to examine the effects of changing sl ot lengths on the performance of a network.