QoS rate allocation in computer networks under uncertainty

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the problem of rate allocation (RA) in computer networks in cases when some parameters are unknown or their values are imprecise.

Design/methodology/approach

The application of uncertain variables for the RA problems in computer networks in the presence of uncertainty is proposed.

Findings

Decision‐making problem formulations for RA in computer networks with unknown parameters of the utility functions and bandwidths based on the network utility maximization concept are given. Solution algorithms for all these problems are proposed.

Research limitations/implications

It is assumed that an expert can describe possible values of unknown network parameters in the form of a certainty distribution. Then, the formalism of uncertain variables is applied and the knowledge of an expert is modelled with certainty distributions.

Practical implications

The RA algorithms obtained can be useful for designing and planning computer networks.

Originality/value

The new approach to the RA problem in computer networks in the presence of uncertainty, in cases when the probabilistic approach cannot be applied, is proposed and discussed.

Citation

Gąsior, D. (2008), "QoS rate allocation in computer networks under uncertainty", Kybernetes, Vol. 37 No. 5, pp. 693-712. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920810873308