By Mario P. Vecchi and Michael Adams, Time Warner Cable
Management of heterogeneous real-time traffic is a key subject in the development (if a full service network for the delivery of multi-media assets. The requirements cif MPEG compressed material (currently constant bit rate) are contrasted with the requirements for other multi-media assets such as graphics, data and programs (variable bit rate). Traffic management in the Orlando Full Service Network is described in some detail, and is used to demonstrate how both types qf traffic (i.e., compressed video and audio streams multiplexed together with IP data streams) can be accommodated on a single A TM network. The design and management of such a network is discussed in some detail, using the lessons learned from the Orlando trial to illustrate the allocation C?f traffic across a switched network, ji·om the server complex, over the hybrid fiber'coax broadband access, to the homes.