Network fairness for heterogeneous applications

Abstract

In this paper, we revisit the definition of fairness and TCPfriendliness in a network with heterogeneous applications. We suggest a utility optimization approach in which elastic and inelastic flows have different utilities. The fairness and TCPfriendliness are then evaluated based on a stochastic model of elastic and inelastic flows with finite files size, holding time and arrival rates (instead of the traditional model of flows competing indefinitely).

We argue that this view will open up new ways for elastic and inelastic flows to share the network, leading to improved performance for both kinds of traffic. Using this approach, we proceed to demonstrate distributed admission control can be used by inelastic flows instead of congestion control, and how this satisfies the new TCP-friendly criteria.