Characterizing Superposition Arrival Processes in Packet Multiplexers for Voice and Data

TLDR

The paper analyzes a model of a multiplexer for packetized voice and data. The authors model a packetized voice and data multiplexer, characterize its aggregate arrival process using the index of dispersion for intervals (IDI), and approximate voice and data packet delays with simple two‑parameter models. The study finds that the IDI is a promising tool for characterizing complex arrival processes, and that simple two‑parameter approximations effectively describe voice and data packet delays.

Abstract

This paper analyzes a model of a multiplexer for packetized voice and data. A major part of the analysis is devoted to characterizing the aggregate packet arrival process resulting from the superposition of separate voice streams. This is done via the index of dispersion for intervals (IDI), which describes the cumulative covariance among successive interarrival times. The IDI seems very promising as a measurement tool to characterize complex arrival processes. This paper also describes the delays experienced by voice and data packets in the multiplexer using relatively simple two-parameter approximations.