Optimization of mixed-media communication networks

Abstract

In the design of a communication network one may consider, among others, response time, cost, throughout, reliability, availability as performance parameters. Satellite communication technology introduces new opportunities to satisfy these considerations by taking advantage of characteristics inherent in satellite links as well as that in terrestrial links (e.g., satellite links have greater inherent delays but may have more cost effective channel bandwidth than terrestrial links.) In this paper, we describe an algorithm for the problem of designing a store-and-forward packet-switched computer communication network with multiple packet classes using both terrestrial and satellite links. The algorithm is heuristic in nature and is an extension of the design algorithm which has been developed for designing terrestrial networks to include satellite links. As for satellite access methods, only dedicated channel access methods are considered. Some design examples are also given.