Intelligent selective packet discarding using general fuzzy automata

Abstract

Inherently, the operational processes of a large number of digital communication systems are based on input events. Therefore, discrete event-based system (DEVS) model is an appropriate tool to model such systems. On the other hand, as communication networks become more popular, congestion control becomes more vital. This necessitates the design and development of a suitable model that is able to represent the complete behavior of the network traffic as much as possible. Many researchers have attempted to develop a model first, and then at the next step, develop a good controller for the communication system. In other words, modeling and control are usually treated as two separate issues. However, it seems that treating the modeling and control issues simultaneously may improve the performance and efficiency of communication systems significantly. In other words, the idea is to develop a model which is naturally similar to the system and at the same time is intelligent enough for self-adaptation so that real-time updates of the system's states are possible. General Fuzzy Automata (GFA) is a discrete-event-based formalism and is thus naturally similar to communication systems. Due to the fuzzy nature of GFA, it is possible to incorporate the advantages of fuzzy control. Therefore, in this paper, GFA is proposed as a tool for the modeling and control of communication systems. Simulation studies show that the GFA-based approach is superior to the classical ATM switch in the usage of a system's resources and system performance.