Scheduling algorithm for MPEG-2 TS multiplexers in CATV networks

In this paper, we study the scheduling algorithm for multiplexers in CATV n etworks. First we propose a concept of scheduling matrix. And then two kind s of scheduling algorithms are given, which are described with the scheduli ng matrix. Especially, we focus on the VER scheduling algorithm being able to achieve better display of MPEG-2 program in CATV networks, The scheduler applying our VER scheduling algorithm maintains, for each input stream, a counter to determine how many TS packets should be transmitted in the curre nt scheduling cycle (one frame period) in order to prevent deadline violati on. The real-time bit rate of each input stream is used to update the param eters of the scheduling matrix, Our VER scheduling algorithm is compared nu merically with the traditional CBR scheduling algorithm. The results of the simulation show that our VER scheduling algorithm can achieve significantl y lower delay, i.e., deadline violation probability, in comparison with CBR scheduling algorithm. Also it is shown that higher utilization of bandwidt h can be achieved by means of our VER scheduling algorithm than by CBR sche duling algorithm.