Multiplexing Real-Time Channels

A real-time channel is a simplex connection between two nodes characterized by parameters representing the performance requirements of the client. Such a connection may be established through the scheme described in [Fer89a]. In this paper, we study the feasibility of multiplexing real-time channels on a lower-layer real-time channel. Sufficient conditions for multiplexing channels are obtained as an extension of the establishment algorithm. The extension is based on two observations: (1) a real-time channel can be looked upon as a network with bounded delays connecting the multiplexing point (a virtual source) to the demultiplexing point (a virtual destination); and the parameters of the physical channel can be used to define the service time at the virtual source and sink. Multiplexing is nothing but channel establishment over this network. By a judicious definition of the parameter specifying service times, it is possible to make multiplexing decisions at the multiplexing point (sou..