Importance

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Abstract

A traffic control system (and associated method) according to the present invention includes a feedback control mechanism in which the controlled variable is processor occupancy, the controlling variable is the amount of resources necessary to satisfy the operational requirements of the switching system, and the set point is the average expected load based on a Poisson arrival rate. Current processor occupancy is compared, on an instantaneous basis against the set point to determine if it exceeds the average expected load. If so, the controlling variable is adjusted to allocate additional resources to process the offered traffic load. The process continues until the traffic burst expires. Additional resources may be obtained by eliminating or deferring non-essential work, and by allocating additional call registers, effectively accepting work in larger increments or batches. By instantly and proactively responding to traffic bursts, this traffic control system aids the switching system in weathering brief periods of high traffic, without actually reaching an overload condition and invoking overload controls. As a result, switching system capacity is increased, and other performance characteristics are improved.

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First Claim