Optimal flow control protocols for ATM networks that satisfy grade of servi
ce (GOS) requirements and fairness criteria are developed, The authors prop
ose a novel node-oriented approach for flow control based on a modified def
inition of power. In this approach, bandwidth allocation and enforcement ar
e carried out for groups of users multiplexed at nodes rather than for each
individual user as in previous designs. Higher efficiency and ease of impl
ementation are among the key features of this approach. A dynamic bandwidth
sharing scheme which dynamically partitions the optimal bandwidth among al
l the ATM service categories is also introduced. The methodology can handle
all the services in ATM networks, namely CBR, VER, ABR and UBR services.