The University of British Columbia

This paper analyzes the performance of a novel RA access protocol for full statistical multiplexing of voice calls over IEEE 802.6 metropolitan area networks (MANs). The protocol acquires a voice channel at the beginning of each talk-spurt and if successful, keeps the isochronous channel in reservation for the duration of the demand. System performance is evaluated by both analytical modeling and computer simulations. To assess the quality of speech transported by RA access, simulations using a real voice signal are also presented. Results indicate that RA access provides significant improvements in channel utilization compared to pre-arbitrated access while maintaining a nearly isochronous transport service